IoD: Danger that business will shoulder climate burden

Tuesday, 13, Mar 2007 12:00

The Institute of Directors (IoD) has warned there is a danger that "a disproportionate burden" will fall on businesses to cut carbon emissions.

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

IoD director general Miles Templeman said: "We agree with setting ambitious targets for cutting carbon emissions but we need to do this by encouraging new technologies and energy efficiency rather than extra costs which would make UK businesses less competitive."

He added: "The price of a lower carbon economy should not be lower UK employment."

For emissions to be cut, he said "everyone should be making a contribution".

"What is really needed is a global emissions trading scheme. This will be the biggest international political challenge facing the next prime minister", he said.