Summit into climate change opens

The draft Climate Change Bill is the first of its kind

Government, business and consumers need to cooperate to reduce climate change, Environment Secretary David Miliband has said.

Mr Miliband was speaking at the first Climate Change Citizens' Summit in London, part of a draft Climate Change Bill consultation process.

"I hope this summit will encourage people to take action," he said.

The draft Climate Change Bill is the first of its kind in the world and will set a framework to cut carbon emissions

The summit, organised by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), will help shape official policy to help keep people informed and aware of the issue.

All the evidence suggests that when people feel involved they are more likely to think about the impact of their own behaviour Environment Secretary David Miliband

"This event breaks new ground in the way government talks to the public about climate change. This is essential because if we are going to tackle it head on, we need everyone on board and everyone having their say," Mr Miliband said.

"I am keen to find out what people really think about climate change, how they are prepared to change their behaviour to tackle it and how government, business and consumers can work together to reduce CO2 emissions.

Mr Miliband said involving people was crucial to cutting emissions

"All the evidence suggests that when people feel involved they are more likely to think about the impact of their own behaviour."

The draft bill includes plans for legally binding five-year "carbon budgets", a statutory body called the Committee on Climate Change, and new powers for the government to cut carbon emissions when needed.

A panel of 150 people from six areas of the country will be asked three questions.

• Do you think there should be legally-binding targets for government to ensure that the UK reduces CO2 emissions?
• How can government, business, the workforce and citizens work together efficiently to reduce CO2 emissions?
• How can government, business, the workforce and citizens work together effectively to encourage us all as individuals to make personal behaviour changes?

Defra has said the draft bill would have a full public consultation along with pre-legislative scrutiny in parliament.