Best Practices in Effective Climate Policy Implementation, Governance, and Accountability: The UK Committee on Climate Change

Abstract

The chapter examines the best practices in effective climate change policy implementation, governance, and accountability, using the UK Committee on Climate Change (CCC) as a template. While some countries (e.g. Canada) are struggling to meet their international climate change commitments for reducing emissions and transitioning to a renewable energy economy, the UK—thanks to its Climate Change Act 2008 and the CCC—has made significant progress in implementing effective climate policies with mechanisms for policy accountability and transparency. The chapter starts by emphasising that effective climate policy must move from a quantitative density of policy fragments to a combined quantitative and qualitative intensity of policies via integrated policy design and implementation. It then analyses the advances made in the UK over the last decade, including the decarbonisation of its electricity sector with a significant increase in the GDP. It also examines the key building blocks and structural elements of the UK CCC which constitute the best practices in effective climate policy and governance, evident in GHG emissions reduction in some sectors, especially offshore wind energy and waste. The chapter also considers the past shortcomings and future challenges of UKʼs climate progress in reducing GHG emissions, as well as emerging opportunities for moving forward in meeting the countryʼs climate targets. Finally, it underlines the increasing threats of climate change and explores the pathways and policies that would accelerate climate adaptation and enhance climate resilience.