BCC: Don't scapegoat business for climate change

Tuesday, 13, Mar 2007 12:00

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has warned politicians not to make business the scapegoat for climate change.

The climate change bill published today proposes a 60 per cent cut in carbon emissions by 2050.

BCC director-general David Frost said: "The general thrust of the proposed climate change bill and the eagerness of politicians to suggest ways to tackle climate change is something which we welcome, but a lot unease remains in the business community due to the uncertainty as to what this will mean for them."

Mr Frost said the government needs to set out exactly how it would reduce emissions.

He said: "We need to know the exact tax and legislative framework which businesses may have to face. We would also strongly urge the government to provide assistance to smaller businesses in order to ensure that they are able to become more energy efficient.

"But businesses cannot bear this burden alone. The domestic sector must also play its part as it contributes 28 per cent of all UK carbon emissions."