The Climate Change Bill to be debated in the House of Commons on Tuesday will commit the UK to cutting greenhouse gases by 80 per cent by 2050. An amendment put down by the government will also require all companies to publicly reveal their greenhouse gas emissions by 2012.

Joan Ruddock, climate change minister, said the measure would ensure business goes green. "This will allow companies to demonstrate their green credentials and provide transparency for investors and consumers. It aims to stimulate businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and work towards a productive low carbon future."

Paul Brannen, Christian Aid's head of campaigns, said at present companies which publish figures do so "voluntarily and in a way which is often incomplete, unaudited and incomparable with other companies' disclosures." But if the new law is passed, campaigners will be able to identify polluting companies as well as those doing well.

He said: "This is a real breakthrough, which will make a major difference in the battle to reduce the UK's contribution to climate change. "UK businesses fund up to 15 per cent of global carbon emissions. Mandatory reporting will reveal where corporate responsibility lies, giving firms a major incentive to clean up their acts."

Andy Atkins, executive director of Friends of the Earth, said the new law would put pressure on companies to act on climage change by placing information in the public domain. He also welcomed a government amendment to take account of emissions from international aviation and shipping in the 80 per cent target.

"The law should also mean the Government has to re-think projects, such as airport expansion, that will lead to a big increase in green house gas emissions. Investing in low carbon alternatives is the best way to deliver on the law and move Britain out of recession and into a greener more prosperous future," he said.

(Por Louise Gray, Telegraph, 27/10/2008)