The Impact and Outcome of the Key Actors, Institutions and Ideas of Low-carbon Regulation

Outline

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

2. Case study – Critical Policy Analysis

2.1 The policy of Increasing The Use of Low-carbon Technologies

2.2 Actions

2.3 Actors

2.4 Institutions

2.5 Ideas

2.6 Storyline

3. Conclusion

4. Bibliography

1. Introduction

In this essay, the policy of Increasing The Use of Low-carbon Technologies will be taken as a case-study to identify the key actors, institutions and ideas in environmental policy and how they impact on policy processes and the outcomes.

1.1 Background

‘Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, and since the 1950s, many of the observed changes are unprecedented over decades to millennia. The atmosphere and ocean have warmed, the amounts of snow and ice have diminished, sea level has risen, and the concentrations of greenhouse gases have increased.’(The United Nation)

Globally, people are facing the issue of climate change and controlling the emission of greenhouse gas is believed to the key to tackle the problems.

In 2003, with the publish of Energy White Paper, the concept of low carbon economy was first brought out by the British government, a clear goal of 60% carbon-dioxide emission cut by 2050 was set. Since then, the UK aimed to achieve the goal of low carbon economy and series of development policy and plans were produced with great concern about low-carbon issues.

A target for the UK to achieve was set out in the 2009Renewable Energy Directive as 15%(up from 3%) of the energy consumption from renewable sources by 2020. For the UK, it is only possible to achieve that goal by changing the way of energy generation and use for electricity, heat and transport.

2. Case-study:

2.1 Policy:

Increasi...

... middle of paper ...

...Last accessed at 27th January, 2013. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/increasing-the-use-of-low-carbon-technologies#background.

State for Trade and Industry. (2003). Energy White Paper: Our Energy Future- Creating a Low Carbon Economy. [online] Last accessed at 27th January, 2013. Available at: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http://www.dti.gov.uk/files/file10719.pdf.

The United Nations. (unknown). At a Glance. [online] Last accessed at 27th January, 2013. Available at: http://www.un.org/climatechange/the-science/climate-change-at-a-glance/

Lowndes, V. (2001). Rescuing Aunt Sally: Talking Institutional Theory Seriously in Urban Politics. Urban Studies. 33(11). PP1953-71

GOV.UK. (unknown). How Government Works. [online] Last accessed at 27th January, 2013. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/how-government-works