2008

Climate law a world first - thanks to you
28 October 2008

The Climate Change Bill is law.

Parliament voted on 28th October for the world-beating legislation after a 3 and a half year campaign by Friends of the Earth.

The law commits the Government to deep cuts in the UK's emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050.

The first of its kind in the world, the law is a huge step in the fight against climate change.

The law means:

Big cuts
At least 80% cuts in greenhouse gases by 2050.
Monitoring
Regular reporting to Parliament to check we're on track.
Policy
Government will have to consider climate impacts in all of it's policies.
Solutions
Clear direction will give business the confidence to invest in solutions to climate change.

Launched in 2005, Friends of the Earth's Big Ask campaign saw unprecedented numbers of people calling for a strong climate law.

Nearly 200,000 spoke to their MP directly - by letters, email, posting a video clip, or in person.

People often ask: 'Does anything change politics?' Well it has here.

Nick Robinson, BBC political editor

The public demanded a strong climate law and the Government has been forced to listen.

In three years people power has changed politics.