The UK Climate Change Act was passed in 2008 and is the primary legislation that underpins action to address climate change by the UK. It provides a comprehensive framework for climate change mitigation and adaptation, underpinned by legally binding emissions targets for 2050 and the coming 15 years. It assigns clear duties and responsibilities for action based around independent expert advice and monitoring. The Act is credited with helping the UK to deliver sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions alongside a growing economy. The Act has received widespread support from business and enabled a positive narrative on UK climate action. This case study sets out the Climate Change Act and the Climate Change Risk Assessment that it drives. It reviews the background to these activities and the lessons learnt from 12 years of implementation since 2008.
