Government and business must unite in climate change battle

Government and businesses must work together if they are to successfully tackle carbon emissions, it has been claimed.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) yesterday announced a consultation on measures to simplify the regulations businesses face in cutting CO2 emissions.

The consultation will run alongside new research from government economists into the cost of carbon in policy decisions.

Launching the consultation, environment minister Phil Woolas said: “This consultation shows once again that we're serious about tackling emissions in the UK and that doing so doesn't need to undermine competitiveness.

“It's all about making sure that we get the biggest cuts in carbon dioxide possible for the money spent.

“Working together, government and businesses must show leadership in tackling emissions, without jeopardising prosperity. In fact, growth brings innovation and resources - which can help us to tackle emissions.”

The review will consult on a series of new measures aimed at cutting ‘duplication and unduly complex bureaucracy, cutting costs to businesses and making it easier for them to cut emissions’.

Defra said the consultation was a response to requests from businesses that want to cut their emissions but find existing regulations too complicated.

Some of the measures will be aimed specifically at easing the burden on small businesses, according to Defra, but the consultation as a whole is intended to simplify measures for all businesses.