I'm just putting the finishing touches to a feature on the Carbon Trust's Carbon Reduction Label. For the piece I spoke to commentators with some concerns about consumers' understanding of carbon emissions as a metric. However a few events in the last week or so could change this.
Today a government advisory committee on climate change said the cost of air travel has to rise to deter people from flying. This is to ensure the target of reducing CO2 emissions to 2005 levels is met. If the government accepts this then you can bet the airlines will kick up an almighty stink. Consumers won't like this idea but it will certainly raise awareness on carbon emissions.Likewise a report published by the think-tank IPPR again raise the unpopular issue of personal carbon trading.
Another issue is the 10:10 initiative which aims to get individuals, companies and institutions to reduce their carbon footprint by 10% during 2010. PR overlords Freud Communications are involved so you can bet it is going to be big. Watch out for the funky metal tags appearing on celebrities and high-profile figures soon.
Are those that want a shift away from carbon fighting a losing battle?
