Look before leaping
The Better Regulation Commission, which advises the UK Government on regulation of business, has urged the Government not to act too quickly or unthinkingly in tackling climate change.
“We have devised a series of tests for climate policy that should be used by all who contribute to the debate.
Ensure that climate policy is consistent with a healthy UK economy.
The UK is responsible for just 2 per cent of the world’s greenhouse gases. It is thus likely that the country’s biggest impact will be as an international champion of change. Its influence will depend on how realistic and effective its domestic policy is. The measures introduced must make economic sense and prove that a low-carbon economy is an achievable goal. As the Stern review emphasises, we must find a way to be “green and grow”. Only this will convince the more sceptical world leaders that action to limit carbon emissions is practical and affordable.
Stick to a well-developed strategy and avoid piecemeal announcements.
Climate change is a long-term issue that must not be used as a short-term political tool. We should avoid rushing into a plethora of schemes before finding out what works. Over-hyping the risks of climate change could also be counter-productive and leave people with a sense of powerlessness. This goes for non-governmental groups as well as the UK government, which should not allow itself to be pressured into making rash commitments.
Be efficient and always test policy against a carbon price benchmark.
Addressing climate change will be costly, but we must avoid bankrupting ourselves. Similarly, there is no point in finding that a policy initiated in one part of the regulatory system is contradicted in another. Government should review policy to see where conflicts lie. The best way to ensure long-term co-operation is to keep things simple and as pain free as possible.
Do not use climate change as justification for other policy goals.
Climate change cuts across many policy areas. This does not mean it can be used as a justification for achieving other objectives. Public trust could easily be lost if measures are presented as environmentally beneficial when they are nothing of the sort.
If a policy does not work, change it.”