UK Climate Change Act

We know we need to act on climate change but how? As the science becomes clearer, as we increasingly see its effects not in the future but around us right now, as global emissions continue to rise, countries around the world are looking for new approaches. Each of us can learn from others.

Last week, in Britain, we committed ourselves to a low-carbon future. A Climate Change Act, the first of its kind, means that greenhouse gas emissions must legally be cut by 80 per cent by the middle of the century.

The commitment recognises that a shift of this scale needs action now. So on the path to 2050, there will be "carbon budgets" for every five-year period and, like the 2050 goal, they will be legally binding.

Some have already argued that, in tough economic times, we should retreat from our climate change objectives. But, in fact, though, of course, there are trade-offs, there are also common solutions to both problems: energy-saving measures for households which cut bills and emissions and investment in new environmental industries which both improve energy security and reduce our dependence on polluting fuels.

Delay, on the other hand, will only make action more expensive and, in the long run, we know that the costs of not acting on climate change are greater than the costs of acting.

Because there will always be short-term pressures facing politicians of the day, the Act included a specific commitment to be guided by the evidence.

An independent Committee on Climate Change advised us on the 80 per cent target, using the latest science, UN reports and conversations with experts here at home.

It will continue to give advice on each carbon budget on the path to 2050 and do it publicly so governments in the future will have to explain why any recommendations are not accepted.

We are proud of our Climate Change Act. We've been looking at how Britain can do its bit at home. We are also fully engaged in the wider, ambitious European effort. We strongly support the French Presidency in the aim to reach a final agreement on the 2020 Climate and Energy Package in December.

By implementing the political commitment that member states made in 2007, Europe needs to demonstrate strong leadership as international climate negotiations enter a crucial phase.

However, we know governments alone cannot bring about this shift. For companies, cutting carbon emissions must become a necessary part of doing business.

Reporting on their carbon impact is a start, and for large companies we plan to make it mandatory from 2012, but continued improvements will also take pressure. For communities, faith groups and green groups there is still a need to press for change.

We know as well that, although determination to change must start at home, it cannot end there: We need a global deal.

The world meets next month in Poland and next year in Copenhagen.

With countries sharing ideas and inspiration, with governments and communities spurring each other on, I believe we can get a deal and we can create a low-carbon world.

Mr Miliband is the Secretary of State for the Department of Energy and Climate Change