Environment Secretary David Miliband announced yesterday (22nd September) that the Government is to create a dedicated department to challenge climate change.
The Office of Climate Change (OCC) will offer support to ministers in their efforts to construct a UK strategy on combating global warming both domestically and internationally.
The OCC will consolidate existing analysis, whilst promoting an understanding of climate change across government. The new body will also advise and assist other Governmental departments in adapting their environmental policies.
“Climate change is one of the biggest problems facing the UK and the world and we need to ensure that the action we are taking as a Government is co-ordinated and as effective as possible.” Said Mr Miliband before adding:
“The OCC will be a key resource to help us achieve the challenging targets we have set to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 60% by 2050. The office will co-ordinate climate change activity across government based on sound, objective analysis and drive forward progress on climate change policy and strategy.”
The OCC will be staffed by around 15 to 18 permanent staff, supported by between 12 and 18 temporary staff recruited for project work.
According to a statement on eGovmonitor.com, the department will address international issues but will not be involved in international negotiations or in drawing up negotiation strategies.
