ACS

Planned new laws to tackle climate change will mean that all UK companies would be forced to reveal levels of pollution. The Climate Change Bill to be debated in the House of Commons on Tuesday will commit the UK to cutting greenhouse gases by 80 per cent by 2050. 

An amendment put down by the Government will also require all companies to publicly reveal their greenhouse gas emissions by 2012.

Joan Ruddock, climate change minister, said the measure would ensure business goes green: “This will allow companies to demonstrate their green credentials and provide transparency for investors and consumers. It aims to stimulate businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and work towards a productive low carbon future."

But if the new law is passed, campaigners will be able to identify polluting companies as well as those doing well.

Andy Atkins, executive director of Friends of the Earth, said the new law would put pressure on companies to act on climate change by placing information in the public domain.

He also welcomed a Government amendment to take account of emissions from international aviation and shipping in the 80 per cent target.

"The law should also mean the Government has to re-think projects, such as airport expansion, that will lead to a big increase in green house gas emissions. Investing in low carbon alternatives is the best way to deliver on the law and move Britain out of recession and into a greener more prosperous future," he said.