Energy Saving Trust channels

Top shortcut links

Main navigation starts here

You are here:

Bookmark and Share

Emission impossible?

A vision for a low carbon lifestyle by 2050

The Government has set a target to reduce CO 2 emissions by up to 80 per cent by 2050 in order to avoid dangerous climate change. Of this, personal carbon emissions - the emissions we all produce from our homes and our travel - account for around 40 per cent of the total CO 2 produced by the UK. Our new vision report - Emission Impossible? sets a marker in the sand on what we believe needs to happen to meet this ambitious CO 2 reduction target.

Whilst it may sound like an impossible task, the report shows that we do not need to adopt austere lifestyles, or make unpleasant personal sacrifices. A low carbon lifestyle could in fact improve the quality of all of our lives. We could have more comfortable homes and better travel choices, for example, at the same time, as protecting our environment. And although it often seems that only expensive or far off technological breakthroughs can make a difference, a low carbon future can be achieved with a combination of existing technology, bold policy decisions and the right personal choices.

A low carbon lifestyle could in fact improve the quality of all of our lives.

The ambitious goals set out in the report will shape our activity for the coming years, as we begin to focus on making this vision for a low carbon lifestyle an achievable reality. That's not to say that we know all of the answers or solutions. Listening to and working with Government, local authorities, industry and, of course you, will be a critical part of the process. Therefore, we'd love to hear what you think about our 'vision'. So, why not visit our Chief Executive Philip Sellwood's blog - where he has recently posted his own views on Emission impossible? - and leave some comments? Visit Philip's blog here

Read the full Emission impossible? report here

Find out what you can do to reduce your CO 2 emissions now

Page tools

  • Email this page
  • 3/5

    Average rating - 3 OK

Register for updates

For regular email updates please submit your email address below.

Email address:

Help and advice

Call 0800 512 012 for free, independent and local energy saving advice

Click here to request a call back from your local advice centre.