Brown Orders Britons to Think Green

UK must count 'carbon cost' of new projects—a boon to clean energies
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 22, 2007 1:43 PM CST
Brown Orders Britons to Think Green
Graphic shows key points from the Bali climate change conference; 2c x 3 1/4 inches; 96.3 mm x 82.6 mm   (Associated Press)

British PM Gordon Brown has told his ministers to count the cost of global warming—literally. For each ton of carbon a new project emits, the UK will tack on a “carbon price" to account for climate costs. The move will prove a boon to carbon-free energy sources like nuclear power, and affect policies ranging from housing to new roads to airport expansions, the Guardian reports. 

Carbon will cost £25.50 per ton to start, and rise every year until reaching £59.60 in 2050. Brown intends the prices to keep Britain on track to meet its emissions targets, a major policy goal. “This is far bigger than people realize,” the UK climate minister said. “Gordon Brown may not ride a bike, but by god he is showing a lead.” (More Britain stories.)

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