British Climate Panel Calls For Agressive Emissions Cuts

London, England (AHN) - A British committee that advises the government on climate change policy said aggressive and costly measures and lifestyle changes are needed to contribute to worldwide greenhouse gas emission cuts.

The Committee on Climate Change said in a report released Monday that Britain should commit to slashing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 30 percent by 2020. This can be achieved by using more nuclear energy, phasing out coal-fired electricity plants that don't capture carbon dioxide emissions, and switching from fossil fuels to renewable sources like biomass, wind, solar and tidal energy, according to the report.

The committee's report calls for the UK to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. These reductions could be achieved "without sacrificing the benefit of economic growth and rising prosperity," the committee said in its report. The report did, however, say reaching the goals laid out by the committee could cost billions of dollars in the near-term.

The committee is calling for emissions cuts on all major economic sectors, including shipping and aviation. The report acknowledged that similar efforts must be made by developing nations, but countries like Britain must lead the way.