The legally binding emission targets are the first of their kind and will keep the UK on track towards its long-term goal of cutting emissions 80 percent by 2050. The carbon budgeting system caps emissions over five-year periods. Carbon budget levels have been released for the first 15 years.

As part of the 2009 Budget, the government has promised significant investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency and sets out measures designed to help low-carbon industries. The Committee on Climate Change will revise the targets once the international agreement is reached at the UN climate change conference in Copenhagen, December 2009.