Two thirds of UK businesses believe leaving the aviation and shipping industries out of a new climate change law would be a mistake, a survey from an environmental campaign group has revealed.
Friends of the Earth found the majority of FTSE 100 and 250 firms were against the proposed exclusions.
The survey showed half of firms who responded thought the law would give UK businesses a competitive edge in the global market by making Britain one of the first low carbon economies in the world.
And just over half (57 per cent) said the proposed law, which seeks to cut down the UK’s carbon emissions, will give UK businesses and investors the confidence they need to invest in low carbon technologies.
Friends of the Earth director Tony Juniper said: “The climate change law is the flagship of this government’s green policy but it’s also hugely important for our economy, helping solutions to climate change flourish and weaning us off our dependence on ever more expensive oil.
“Top UK companies know a strong law is good for business and leaving emissions from international aviation and shipping out of it is both a glaring oversight and grossly unfair – like going on a diet but failing to count the calories from chocolate.”
The charity is calling for a stronger law to cover all business sectors to reduce carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2050. The government is targeting a 60 per cent reduction.
To highlight the campaign, Razorlight front man Johnny Borrell will today perform in front of an audience made up of representatives of all UK industries – except aviation and shipping – at London’s Science Museum.
In addition, five MPs – Anne Milton (Con), Emily Thornberry (Lab), Ian Cawsey (Lab), Lembit Opik (Lib Dem) and ex-Runrig band member Peter Wishart (SNP) – will be supporting the one-off concert, calling on fellow MPs to strengthen the law when they get the chance later this year.
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