Latest news with #ClimateChangeBill
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Cabinet approves Climate Change Bill for tabling in parliament
KUALA LUMPUR: The cabinet has approved the Climate Change Bill to be tabled in parliament. Setiawangsa member of parliament Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad announced this at the launch of Royal Selangor Eco Week 2025 this morning.
The Citizen
02-06-2025
- Science
- The Citizen
WMO's new climate forecast warns the earth is getting hotter
Earth is on track to remain hot, or get hotter, over the next five years. Planet Earth – ecology concept, global warming concept, the effect of environment climate change. Elements of this image furnished by Nasa. Picture: https: The latest global climate forecast suggests that the average global temperature is likely to continue reaching record or near-record levels over the next five years. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the global climate predictions are expected to increase climate risks and impacts on societies, economies and sustainable development. Earth getting hotter The world is on track to remain hot, or get hotter, over the next five years, according to the report released last week by the WMO. The WMO report forecasts that the annually averaged global mean near-surface temperature for each year between 2025 and 2029 is predicted to be between 1.2°C and 1.9°C higher than the average over the years 1850-1900. It shows there is an 80% chance that at least one year between 2025 and 2029 will be warmer than the warmest year on record (currently 2024). And there is an 86% chance that at least one year will be more than 1.5°C above the pre-industrial level. The report did not give global predictions for individual years. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa finds pen and signs Climate Change Bill into law Warnings Every additional fraction of a degree of warming drives more harmful heatwaves, extreme rainfall events, intense droughts, melting of ice sheets, sea ice, and glaciers, heating of the ocean, and rising sea levels. The WMO's report – Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update for 2025-2029 – draws on forecasts from 15 international climate institutions, including the UK's Met Office, as the WMO Lead Centre for Annual to Decadal Climate Prediction. Global temperatures It provides some of the clearest near-term predictions of our warming world, and warns that global temperatures are set to remain at or near record highs for at least the next five years. 'We have just experienced the ten warmest years on record. Unfortunately, this WMO report provides no sign of respite over the coming years, and this means that there will be a growing negative impact on our economies, our daily lives, our ecosystems and our planet,' said WMO Deputy Secretary-General Ko Barrett. 'Continued climate monitoring and prediction is essential to provide decision-makers with science-based tools and information to help us adapt.' ALSO READ: Embracing the power of drones to revolutionise farming practices 2024 WMO's State of the Global Climate 2024 report released in March confirmed that 2024 was likely the first calendar year to be more than 1.5°C above the 1850-1900 average, with a global mean near-surface temperature of 1.55 ± 0.13 °C above the 1850-1900 average. It was the warmest year in the 175-year observational record. In 2022, Professor Coleen Vogel, a climatologist with Wits University's Global Change Unit, warned about the rising temperatures. 'This is likely the warmest Earth has been in 125,000 years. It is possible that during the Last Interglacial, about 125,000 years ago, Earth has been warmer,' adding that such past periods of higher temperatures were caused by slow changes in the orbital characteristics of Earth, occurring over tens of thousands of years. Cop 30 This year's UN climate change conference, COP30, will consider updated climate action plans known as Nationally Determined Contributions which are crucial for achieving the Paris Agreement goals. Under the Paris Agreement, countries agreed to hold the increase in long-term global average surface temperature well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C. The scientific community has repeatedly warned that warming of more than 1.5°C risks unleashing far more severe climate change impacts and extreme weather and every fraction of a degree of warming matters. ALSO READ: Natural disasters set to increase by 37% globally by 2025 – Report
The Advertiser
29-05-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
'What's net zero?': swindle, saviour, licence to pollute - or not good enough?
You're not alone. And arguments around the dinner table are entirely justified. "Net zero" is presented as a fait accompli, but who has taken the time to explain it? What does it mean for you and me at home, today? And what does it mean for our children and grandchildren? Net zero does not mean no greenhouse gas emissions. The key is in the word "net". The term refers to balancing the emissions produced with those removed from the atmosphere. In Australia, that is now enshrined in law. In September 2022, federal parliament signed off on the Climate Change Bill which locked in a target of a 43 per cent greenhouse gas emissions reduction on 2005 levels by 2030 - and net zero by 2050. But even our community and environmental leaders are divided on what "net zero" really means for our society. On the latest estimates, we're likely to get close to our 2030 target. "We call it net zero because it's a combination of reductions in emissions and there's some room in there for offsets - hence the 'net' - although the role of offsets is somewhat contentious and debated," Institute for Sustainable Futures research director David Roche said. "But the primary thing is reducing emissions to eventually get to zero emissions by 2050." The Nationals, now divided on net zero after a spectacular Coalition split following a disastrous election result in 2025, supported it in 2021. Individual households may not realise it, but Australia is already doing its bit in some respects. The country has the highest per capita take up of rooftop solar in the world. "In terms of the electricity system, most of the heavy lifting is being done by solar and wind," Mr Roche said. "By 2030 we'll have done most of the job of decarbonising our electricity system." With the newly re-elected Labor government following through on its household battery election commitment, the level of rooftop solar is likely to rise. Under the 2015 Paris agreement, Australia has pledged to meet the binding global agreement to limit the increase in global average temperatures to "well below" 2°C of warming above pre-industrial levels. "We'll get there by switching to low- and zero-emissions energy and technologies to reduce emissions as much as possible, while boosting carbon storage in trees, land, oceans and human-made products," Climate Change Authority chair Matt Kean said of net zero. More hopefully, the Paris agreement aims to "limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels", though the national science agency, the CSIRO, reports Australia has, on average, warmed by 1.5°C since national records began in 1910. What do those temperature increases mean? Well, more heatwaves, cyclones like Alfred in March 2025, extreme rain, record floods, intense bushfires, and storm surges. Which is why GPs like Dr Kim Loo are worried. "Current decisions at a government level are going to corrode the health of our community," the western Sydney-based Doctors for the Environment member said. "Net zero, it gives polluters the freedom to pollute as long they have offsets." About 90 per cent of the world's carbon emissions come from burning fossil fuels, like coal, gas, petrol and and oil. Most of Australia's emissions can be traced back to energy production. Transport, agriculture, and industrial processes are next. Though a small country by population, Australia ranks 14th globally in terms of emissions, responsible for about 435 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent in the year September 2024. This is why many environmentalists and climate action advocates are concerned about the federal government signing off on the extension of Woodside's North West Shelf gas project in Western Australia until 2070. Three coal mines were granted extensions in September 2024. "I think if we're talking about mining of coal for electricity generation, it's less about the mining - it's actually more about the building of the coal-fired power stations," Institute for Sustainable Futures' David Roche said. "We haven't been investing in new coal-fired power stations in recent years, and there's very good reasons why we haven't. "They're expensive to build. The future of them is pretty limited and so it's just not economic to build more coal-fired power stations." The major things you need to know about are: As part of the transition to a renewable, net zero economy, renewable energy zones are being developed in regional areas around the country. And large scale batteries are being built to store power when it's needed. The first three months of 2025 was the second best on record for big batteries, according to the Clean Energy Council. But people like Coalition backbencher Barnaby Joyce, along with Nationals colleague Matt Canavan, are not convinced. "Net zero is the licence for the greatest swindle of modern time," Mr Joyce told ACM, the publisher of this masthead. "The secret deals in capacity investment schemes in which foreign multinationals and billionaires are guaranteed by the taxpayer a return on their intermittent power investment, even if it does not provide electricity to cover their desired return." The Business Council of Australia chief executive Bran Black and head of the Minerals Council of Australia, Tania Constable, were invited to comment for this story but did not respond in time for publication. Got something to say? Post a comment or email the journalist at You're not alone. And arguments around the dinner table are entirely justified. "Net zero" is presented as a fait accompli, but who has taken the time to explain it? What does it mean for you and me at home, today? And what does it mean for our children and grandchildren? Net zero does not mean no greenhouse gas emissions. The key is in the word "net". The term refers to balancing the emissions produced with those removed from the atmosphere. In Australia, that is now enshrined in law. In September 2022, federal parliament signed off on the Climate Change Bill which locked in a target of a 43 per cent greenhouse gas emissions reduction on 2005 levels by 2030 - and net zero by 2050. But even our community and environmental leaders are divided on what "net zero" really means for our society. On the latest estimates, we're likely to get close to our 2030 target. "We call it net zero because it's a combination of reductions in emissions and there's some room in there for offsets - hence the 'net' - although the role of offsets is somewhat contentious and debated," Institute for Sustainable Futures research director David Roche said. "But the primary thing is reducing emissions to eventually get to zero emissions by 2050." The Nationals, now divided on net zero after a spectacular Coalition split following a disastrous election result in 2025, supported it in 2021. Individual households may not realise it, but Australia is already doing its bit in some respects. The country has the highest per capita take up of rooftop solar in the world. "In terms of the electricity system, most of the heavy lifting is being done by solar and wind," Mr Roche said. "By 2030 we'll have done most of the job of decarbonising our electricity system." With the newly re-elected Labor government following through on its household battery election commitment, the level of rooftop solar is likely to rise. Under the 2015 Paris agreement, Australia has pledged to meet the binding global agreement to limit the increase in global average temperatures to "well below" 2°C of warming above pre-industrial levels. "We'll get there by switching to low- and zero-emissions energy and technologies to reduce emissions as much as possible, while boosting carbon storage in trees, land, oceans and human-made products," Climate Change Authority chair Matt Kean said of net zero. More hopefully, the Paris agreement aims to "limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels", though the national science agency, the CSIRO, reports Australia has, on average, warmed by 1.5°C since national records began in 1910. What do those temperature increases mean? Well, more heatwaves, cyclones like Alfred in March 2025, extreme rain, record floods, intense bushfires, and storm surges. Which is why GPs like Dr Kim Loo are worried. "Current decisions at a government level are going to corrode the health of our community," the western Sydney-based Doctors for the Environment member said. "Net zero, it gives polluters the freedom to pollute as long they have offsets." About 90 per cent of the world's carbon emissions come from burning fossil fuels, like coal, gas, petrol and and oil. Most of Australia's emissions can be traced back to energy production. Transport, agriculture, and industrial processes are next. Though a small country by population, Australia ranks 14th globally in terms of emissions, responsible for about 435 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent in the year September 2024. This is why many environmentalists and climate action advocates are concerned about the federal government signing off on the extension of Woodside's North West Shelf gas project in Western Australia until 2070. Three coal mines were granted extensions in September 2024. "I think if we're talking about mining of coal for electricity generation, it's less about the mining - it's actually more about the building of the coal-fired power stations," Institute for Sustainable Futures' David Roche said. "We haven't been investing in new coal-fired power stations in recent years, and there's very good reasons why we haven't. "They're expensive to build. The future of them is pretty limited and so it's just not economic to build more coal-fired power stations." The major things you need to know about are: As part of the transition to a renewable, net zero economy, renewable energy zones are being developed in regional areas around the country. And large scale batteries are being built to store power when it's needed. The first three months of 2025 was the second best on record for big batteries, according to the Clean Energy Council. But people like Coalition backbencher Barnaby Joyce, along with Nationals colleague Matt Canavan, are not convinced. "Net zero is the licence for the greatest swindle of modern time," Mr Joyce told ACM, the publisher of this masthead. "The secret deals in capacity investment schemes in which foreign multinationals and billionaires are guaranteed by the taxpayer a return on their intermittent power investment, even if it does not provide electricity to cover their desired return." The Business Council of Australia chief executive Bran Black and head of the Minerals Council of Australia, Tania Constable, were invited to comment for this story but did not respond in time for publication. Got something to say? Post a comment or email the journalist at You're not alone. And arguments around the dinner table are entirely justified. "Net zero" is presented as a fait accompli, but who has taken the time to explain it? What does it mean for you and me at home, today? And what does it mean for our children and grandchildren? Net zero does not mean no greenhouse gas emissions. The key is in the word "net". The term refers to balancing the emissions produced with those removed from the atmosphere. In Australia, that is now enshrined in law. In September 2022, federal parliament signed off on the Climate Change Bill which locked in a target of a 43 per cent greenhouse gas emissions reduction on 2005 levels by 2030 - and net zero by 2050. But even our community and environmental leaders are divided on what "net zero" really means for our society. On the latest estimates, we're likely to get close to our 2030 target. "We call it net zero because it's a combination of reductions in emissions and there's some room in there for offsets - hence the 'net' - although the role of offsets is somewhat contentious and debated," Institute for Sustainable Futures research director David Roche said. "But the primary thing is reducing emissions to eventually get to zero emissions by 2050." The Nationals, now divided on net zero after a spectacular Coalition split following a disastrous election result in 2025, supported it in 2021. Individual households may not realise it, but Australia is already doing its bit in some respects. The country has the highest per capita take up of rooftop solar in the world. "In terms of the electricity system, most of the heavy lifting is being done by solar and wind," Mr Roche said. "By 2030 we'll have done most of the job of decarbonising our electricity system." With the newly re-elected Labor government following through on its household battery election commitment, the level of rooftop solar is likely to rise. Under the 2015 Paris agreement, Australia has pledged to meet the binding global agreement to limit the increase in global average temperatures to "well below" 2°C of warming above pre-industrial levels. "We'll get there by switching to low- and zero-emissions energy and technologies to reduce emissions as much as possible, while boosting carbon storage in trees, land, oceans and human-made products," Climate Change Authority chair Matt Kean said of net zero. More hopefully, the Paris agreement aims to "limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels", though the national science agency, the CSIRO, reports Australia has, on average, warmed by 1.5°C since national records began in 1910. What do those temperature increases mean? Well, more heatwaves, cyclones like Alfred in March 2025, extreme rain, record floods, intense bushfires, and storm surges. Which is why GPs like Dr Kim Loo are worried. "Current decisions at a government level are going to corrode the health of our community," the western Sydney-based Doctors for the Environment member said. "Net zero, it gives polluters the freedom to pollute as long they have offsets." About 90 per cent of the world's carbon emissions come from burning fossil fuels, like coal, gas, petrol and and oil. Most of Australia's emissions can be traced back to energy production. Transport, agriculture, and industrial processes are next. Though a small country by population, Australia ranks 14th globally in terms of emissions, responsible for about 435 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent in the year September 2024. This is why many environmentalists and climate action advocates are concerned about the federal government signing off on the extension of Woodside's North West Shelf gas project in Western Australia until 2070. Three coal mines were granted extensions in September 2024. "I think if we're talking about mining of coal for electricity generation, it's less about the mining - it's actually more about the building of the coal-fired power stations," Institute for Sustainable Futures' David Roche said. "We haven't been investing in new coal-fired power stations in recent years, and there's very good reasons why we haven't. "They're expensive to build. The future of them is pretty limited and so it's just not economic to build more coal-fired power stations." The major things you need to know about are: As part of the transition to a renewable, net zero economy, renewable energy zones are being developed in regional areas around the country. And large scale batteries are being built to store power when it's needed. The first three months of 2025 was the second best on record for big batteries, according to the Clean Energy Council. But people like Coalition backbencher Barnaby Joyce, along with Nationals colleague Matt Canavan, are not convinced. "Net zero is the licence for the greatest swindle of modern time," Mr Joyce told ACM, the publisher of this masthead. "The secret deals in capacity investment schemes in which foreign multinationals and billionaires are guaranteed by the taxpayer a return on their intermittent power investment, even if it does not provide electricity to cover their desired return." The Business Council of Australia chief executive Bran Black and head of the Minerals Council of Australia, Tania Constable, were invited to comment for this story but did not respond in time for publication. Got something to say? Post a comment or email the journalist at You're not alone. And arguments around the dinner table are entirely justified. "Net zero" is presented as a fait accompli, but who has taken the time to explain it? What does it mean for you and me at home, today? And what does it mean for our children and grandchildren? Net zero does not mean no greenhouse gas emissions. The key is in the word "net". The term refers to balancing the emissions produced with those removed from the atmosphere. In Australia, that is now enshrined in law. In September 2022, federal parliament signed off on the Climate Change Bill which locked in a target of a 43 per cent greenhouse gas emissions reduction on 2005 levels by 2030 - and net zero by 2050. But even our community and environmental leaders are divided on what "net zero" really means for our society. On the latest estimates, we're likely to get close to our 2030 target. "We call it net zero because it's a combination of reductions in emissions and there's some room in there for offsets - hence the 'net' - although the role of offsets is somewhat contentious and debated," Institute for Sustainable Futures research director David Roche said. "But the primary thing is reducing emissions to eventually get to zero emissions by 2050." The Nationals, now divided on net zero after a spectacular Coalition split following a disastrous election result in 2025, supported it in 2021. Individual households may not realise it, but Australia is already doing its bit in some respects. The country has the highest per capita take up of rooftop solar in the world. "In terms of the electricity system, most of the heavy lifting is being done by solar and wind," Mr Roche said. "By 2030 we'll have done most of the job of decarbonising our electricity system." With the newly re-elected Labor government following through on its household battery election commitment, the level of rooftop solar is likely to rise. Under the 2015 Paris agreement, Australia has pledged to meet the binding global agreement to limit the increase in global average temperatures to "well below" 2°C of warming above pre-industrial levels. "We'll get there by switching to low- and zero-emissions energy and technologies to reduce emissions as much as possible, while boosting carbon storage in trees, land, oceans and human-made products," Climate Change Authority chair Matt Kean said of net zero. More hopefully, the Paris agreement aims to "limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels", though the national science agency, the CSIRO, reports Australia has, on average, warmed by 1.5°C since national records began in 1910. What do those temperature increases mean? Well, more heatwaves, cyclones like Alfred in March 2025, extreme rain, record floods, intense bushfires, and storm surges. Which is why GPs like Dr Kim Loo are worried. "Current decisions at a government level are going to corrode the health of our community," the western Sydney-based Doctors for the Environment member said. "Net zero, it gives polluters the freedom to pollute as long they have offsets." About 90 per cent of the world's carbon emissions come from burning fossil fuels, like coal, gas, petrol and and oil. Most of Australia's emissions can be traced back to energy production. Transport, agriculture, and industrial processes are next. Though a small country by population, Australia ranks 14th globally in terms of emissions, responsible for about 435 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent in the year September 2024. This is why many environmentalists and climate action advocates are concerned about the federal government signing off on the extension of Woodside's North West Shelf gas project in Western Australia until 2070. Three coal mines were granted extensions in September 2024. "I think if we're talking about mining of coal for electricity generation, it's less about the mining - it's actually more about the building of the coal-fired power stations," Institute for Sustainable Futures' David Roche said. "We haven't been investing in new coal-fired power stations in recent years, and there's very good reasons why we haven't. "They're expensive to build. The future of them is pretty limited and so it's just not economic to build more coal-fired power stations." The major things you need to know about are: As part of the transition to a renewable, net zero economy, renewable energy zones are being developed in regional areas around the country. And large scale batteries are being built to store power when it's needed. The first three months of 2025 was the second best on record for big batteries, according to the Clean Energy Council. But people like Coalition backbencher Barnaby Joyce, along with Nationals colleague Matt Canavan, are not convinced. "Net zero is the licence for the greatest swindle of modern time," Mr Joyce told ACM, the publisher of this masthead. "The secret deals in capacity investment schemes in which foreign multinationals and billionaires are guaranteed by the taxpayer a return on their intermittent power investment, even if it does not provide electricity to cover their desired return." The Business Council of Australia chief executive Bran Black and head of the Minerals Council of Australia, Tania Constable, were invited to comment for this story but did not respond in time for publication. Got something to say? Post a comment or email the journalist at
Borneo Post
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sabah urged to assert carbon sovereignty as Federal Climate Bill looms
Sabahan civil society and political leaders at the gathering.-Photo by LEAP KOTA KINABALU (May 7): Sabah, as Malaysia's largest carbon sink, plays a critical role in the nation's climate goals. With the federal Climate Change Bill (Rang Undang-Undang Perubahan Iklim, or RUUPIN) soon to be tabled in Parliament, the question of Sabah's carbon sovereignty and rights has become urgent. At a recent briefing and dialogue convened by the civil society coalition Carbon Sovereign Sabah (CSS), a group of elected state representatives were encouraged to act in the state's best interest: 'We are entrusting you to find ways to act for Sabah and Sabah's sovereignty.' Cynthia Ong of Land Empowerment Animals People (LEAP) shared that RUUPIN is being fast-tracked for tabling this June. In the meantime, Sabah's State Legislative Assembly (DUN) has yet to deliberate on its own climate enactment, which would affirm state jurisdiction over carbon within its lands and waters, in accordance with the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the Federal Constitution. The rapid pace of climate legislation at the federal level requires immediate clarity and action from Sabah's leadership. A proactive approach can safeguard the state's valuable carbon resources and economic future CSS acknowledged the federal government's commitment to addressing climate change through RUUPIN, especially in light of the increasing climate risks in Southeast Asia and the global shift toward lower-emission trade requirements. RUUPIN also supports Malaysia's obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). However, the coalition emphasised that efforts risk fragmentation and undermining national climate commitments without genuine consultation and strategic harmonisation with Sabah. Datuk Darrel Webber, Sabah's Climate Change Advisor, was invited by CSS to provide a technical overview of the issues at stake. He explained that the state had undertaken its own assessment of emissions and sinks using the same methodology applied in the federal government's UNFCCC submissions under the Paris Agreement. The analysis confirmed that the state functions as a net carbon sink due to Sabah's long-standing commitments to forest conservation, avoidance of coal, and moderate industrial activity. Sabah's forests significantly offset emissions of other regions and contribute the most significant share to Malaysia's overall greenhouse gas absorption. In light of this, any future frameworks to tax emissions or reward sequestration must recognise Sabah's contributions and stewardship of these resources. Participants also reflected on historic concerns related to earlier federal legislation, such as the 1974 Petroleum Development Act (PDA), which had implications for Sabah's resource management. Drawing from these past experiences, CSS encouraged the attending elected representatives — across political affiliations — to help ensure that transparent, inclusive, and forward-looking processes are in place to safeguard Sabah's long-term rights and interests. The event demonstrated the strength of multipartisan collaboration in addressing climate governance effectively and equitably. Discussions at the session also acknowledged the significant progress already made in drafting Sabah's climate enactment. Such legislation could provide the framework for responsible carbon stewardship while aligning with national climate objectives. As one of the few jurisdictions globally identified as a net sink, Sabah is well-positioned to play a leadership role in the emerging low-carbon economy. Tungku assemblyman Assaffal Panglima Alian, who attended the session, later posted on social media that 'Sabah's rights and its sovereignty should be a priority to defend.' Echoing this view, Senator Datuk Nelson Wences Angang emphasised the need for active state-federal collaboration to protect Sabah's rights. 'The intention of the federal government to table the Climate Change Bill in the next parliamentary sitting is laudable, but it is vital for them to engage actively and sincerely with the state government of Sabah regarding the contents of the bill. This ensures that the state's perspectives, needs and rights are considered and respected, leading to more effective policies. At the same time, the Sabah government must declare its stand on the bill, ensuring that none of Sabah's rights and privileges are affected or taken away.' Moyog assemblyman Datuk Darell Leiking also attended the gathering and emphasised the importance of vigilance. 'The session revealed yet another potential timeline in which Sabah risks missing the forest for the trees. The State Government must ensure Sabah is not subjected to the unintended negative consequences of the upcoming National Climate Change Bill, especially where our sovereignty is concerned. We must act now to safeguard Sabah.' Dr Robecca Jumin, WWF-Malaysia's Head of Conservation for Sabah, noted the significance of Sabah's legislative progress. 'A robust legislative framework is essential to ensure Sabah's progress in conserving its natural resources continues hand in hand with sustainable economic development. Sabah's forest carbon law, put in place through the recent amendment of the Forest Enactment 1968, reflects the state's proactive commitment to responsible climate governance. With the right policies and alignment between state and federal efforts, we can foster mutual accountability, build climate resilience, and secure a thriving future for both people and nature.' The session concluded with a shared understanding that federal legislation must respect Sabah's constitutional position and complement the state's efforts to develop sound, locally tailored climate policies. Through continued dialogue and collaboration, Sabah can advance climate action while upholding its rights and responsibilities within the federation.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The green assault on taxpayers continues as Treasury takes £52 billion in environmental taxes
Environmental taxes raised £52.5 billion in the UK in 2023 according to the latest available data from the Office for National Statistics. To put this in context, we spent almost that same amount on our defence budget over that period. Westminster and Whitehall have had a near obsessive focus on 'soft power' over the last decade or so, relentlessly pursuing it while seemingly happily allowing the country's 'hard power' to slip away. Radical environmental policies are relentlessly feted by politicians of all stripes as a definitive weapon in the nation's soft power armoury as a justification for green taxes and charges which continue to push up household bills. In an act of stunning confidence in our nation's soft power as well as in his own powers of persuasion, Ed Miliband traveled to China on Friday to convince the world's biggest polluter to follow the UK's lead in shifting to green energy. The construction of new coal-fired power plants in China reportedly reached record levels last year. Beijing's eco-vandalism even extends to countries which have opened themselves up to Chinese investment too. The same day that Mr Milband and his Chinese counterpart signed the Clean Energy Partnership Memorandum of Understanding, it was reported that 'a river died overnight' in Zambia following an acidic waste spill at a Chinese-owned mine. These copper mines 'have been accused of ignoring safety, labor and other regulations in Zambia as they strive to control its supply of the critical mineral, leading to some discontent with their presence', according to reports. And so, when Mr Miliband's ideological allies in the EU urge 'Beijing to halt its coal power growth, saying that it was undermining the country's green credentials', which are evidently non-existent, it is hard not to conclude that we are being ruled by an unserious, out of touch elite, who have developed a habit of being economical with the truth in order to advance a green agenda in which they are heavily invested. This habit has been developed and perfected over time. It was back in 2008 when the Climate Change Bill was introduced to Parliament by the Gordon Brown administration, which would go on to enshrine in law a duty on the UK to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050. Ahead of the first reading, Lord Lilley, who was then a Conservative MP went to the Vote Office to ask for the Impact Assessment- the cost benefit analysis the government is legally obliged to produce. 'The officials told me I was the only person to ask for a copy and had to cut open the bundle', Lord Lilley recounts. The analysis revealed the cost of the policy to be twice the maximum benefit. If that wasn't enough to set alarm bells ringing in Westminster, even at that stage it was clear that while the cost would be overwhelmingly borne by British taxpayers, the benefits, such as they were, would largely be spread over the world. 'No one apart from us 'infamous five' [the only four other MPs who joined Lord Lilley in voting against the legislation] mentioned the potential cost throughout the passage of the Bill', despite the revelation, such was the strength of cross party consensus on the matter. Quite incredibly, once the bill had passed and was ready to be sold to the public, the Government claimed to have found an extra trillion in benefits to offset the costs. A Conservative administration under Theresa May in 2019 would go on to strengthen the target to a 100 per cent reduction in emissions by 2050. 'It's good to see that my opinion is becoming more fashionable after 17 years', Sir Philip Davies, the former MP for Shipley and one of the 'infamous five' crew, tells me as Kemi Badenoch's announcement this week to depart from the Net Zero target finally breaks the consensus in Westminster. 'It is one of the votes I'm most proud of in Parliament', says Sir Philip, having recognised over a decade before most that achieving Net Zero by 2050 would be impossible without bankrupting the country and placing crushing demands on taxpayers. Please share share examples of public spending in your personal and professional lives which you consider to be a waste of taxpayers' money. You can email us your stories – either in writing or as voice notes – at wastewatch@ Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
