E3G

From Blair to Brown: where next for UK climate change policy?

By Tom Burke

With Tony Blair’s time in office fast coming to an end, how will his successor Gordon Brown take forward UK action on climate change?

E3G Founding Director Tom Burke sets out his analysis today in an article for the Daily Telegraph website.

Firstly, Tom draws out the differences in political psychology of the two leaders, stating:

The Prime Minister is not known for his attention to detail. His adventurous approach left many gaps to be filled later but it did create and sustain political momentum.

This is not Brown’s style. He is a more patient man, reluctant to move before he is sure of his ground. Certainty is not a common attribute of climate policy. It is a complex issue, blending science, economics, technology and geopolitics.”

Brown will have to grapple with the difficulties of making tough policy choices. And this will be in the face of high expectations resulting from Blair’s headline-grabbing approach.

Given this background, Tom points out that

To succeed we have to make our energy system carbon neutral by 2050, that makes the only real test of your climate policy how much, on what, by when.

It will be quickly noticed, by politicians and voters alike, if Brown fails to maintain the global lead on climate change created by his predecessor.”

Tom closes by looking at the particular political implications for Brown of the Climate Bill and its proposal of a powerful climate committee. Both of these could give Brown real headaches at the start of his premiership.