The Australian Government welcomes efforts by the UK to increase the level of action it is taking to combat climate change.

The UK proposal is further evidence that countries around the world take climate change seriously, and are committed to reducing their carbon pollution.

The UK has had a carbon price in their economy for nearly a decade and – in contrast to what Tony Abbott would have you believe – the sky has not fallen.

In fact the UK experience demonstrates that market mechanisms drive reductions in carbon pollution at least cost while creating new economic opportunities and jobs.

This has been highlighted by UK Prime Minister and Conservative Party member David Cameron, who said this new commitment “...will position the UK a leading player in the global low-carbon economy, creating significant new industries and jobs.”

Furthermore, the Confederation of British Industries has welcomed the Government’s announcement saying “With the green economy potentially bringing in £200 billion (approx. AU$305 billion) of investment into the UK’s energy sector alone, we need policies that will foster growth by decarbonising our energy supply, increase energy efficiency and support the competitiveness of our manufacturing base.”

Further information on the UK proposal