This Working Paper explores the experience of carbon rationing action groups and the implications for a personal carbon allowances policy.
Individuals are responsible, through their use of energy in the home and for personal transport, for 51 per cent of total UK carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, including carbon equivalent emissions from aircraft (Fawcett 2004). Clearly, if the government’s target of an 80 per cent cut in CO2 emissions by 2050 is to be met, significant reductions must be made in individuals’ direct emissions. A policy of Personal Carbon Allowances (PCAs) has been proposed to facilitate this.