Background to the Climate Change Framework

This chapter sets out the background to the Climate Change Act, outlining how it has been set in place in order to translate key elements of the UK’s national low carbon strategy into legally binding national commitments. An account of the intensive campaigning and political activity that helped to galvanise the Act is provided. The chapter also points out that the framework manifested in law the first long-term legally binding national reduction targets imposed by one nation upon itself in the world and clarifies the reasons why the framework is justly considered to be immensely significant. Environmental governance mechanisms established by the Act are touched on in preparation for Chapter 2, and expert commentary and debate is explored.