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December 2, 2008 11:45:07 AM CST

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Brown Orders Britons to Think Green

Posted Dec 22, 07 1:43 PM CST in Science & Health,  World 

(Newser) – 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.”

Source Guardian (UK)

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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)
Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown speaks during a press conference inside 10 Downing Street, London, on Wednesday Dec. 19, 2007. (AP Photo/Carl De Souza/WPA rota)   (Associated Press)
Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown addresses a conference on climate change at the Foreign Press Association, in London, Monday, Nov. 19, 2007. Brown stated his determination to make Britain a world...   (Associated Press)
Britain's Prime Minister Gordon Brown speaks during a press conference inside 10 Downing Street, in London, Wednesday Dec. 19, 2007.(AP Photo/Carl De Souza, WPA rota)   (Associated Press)
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Great Britain • climate change • global warming • Gordon Brown • carbon emissions • nuclear power


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