Dismantling the Budget 8: Environment
by Part eight of deconstructing the budget, looking at Alastair Darling’s plan for the British economy. In this section I will be looking at the environment.
• Britain commits to cut carbon emissions by 34% by 2020.
Going nuclear will help here for sure. But I don’t see how other scheme are going to help achieve this target. I think we will see a reduction in the coming decade, but I don’t think it will be this dramatic. Ideas such as the car scheme will not help.
• An extra £1bn to help combat climate change by supporting low-carbon industries
A meaningful amount of money spent on the green agenda, great idea. But wouldn’t the money be better spent on subsiding a move for high carbon industries into greener terrain? It may encourage the formation of low carbon industries, but lowering the emissions of the big polluters would help more.
• £525m for offshore wind projects over the next two years
Great, just remember that we can’t rely on wind power for all our needs.
• £435m support for energy efficiency schemes for homes, firms and public buildings.
More meaningful money spent on something that will actually help. Reducing waste in buildings will save money and the environment, but it’s important to consider how this money is to be distributed.
• £405m to encourage low-carbon energy and advanced green manufacturing
As I said above, this is a good idea. Support low carbon industry, help high carbon industry to streamline its processes, it all looks good on paper. We can only hope that it’s actually implemented, and more importantly doesn’t turn into an even larger drain on our economy.
Part 1: Alcohol, Cigarettes and Fuel
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