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The UK must accelerate its action to cut greenhouse gas emissions if it is to meet its targets, climate change advisers have said.
A step change in the UK's efforts to prevent global warning is needed, according to the Committee on Climate Change, which is chaired by Lord Turner of Ecchinswell.
The committee, which advises the UK government on cutting emissions to 80 per cent below 1990 levels by 2050, said the recession exaggerated its progress towards meeting its carbon budgets and could slow efforts to drive long-term cuts.
Emissions are falling at 0.5 per cent a year, whereas two to three per cent falls are needed to meet targets, the committee said.
Monday's report found that in order to meet reductions of up to three per cent a year, there needs to be "massive improvement" on current rates.
It warns that the government has placed too much focus on market mechanisms to decarbonise electricity generation and must now intervene more.
In its first annual report to Parliament, the independent body calls for greater support for electric cars.
And it backs a greater emphasis on investment in clean coal technology alongside reformed planning procedures for wind farms and nuclear reactors.
Other proposed measures include the introduction of a nationwide scheme to insulate homes.
"With the carbon budgets in place, we now need to achieve a step-change in the pace of emissions reduction," Lord Turner said.
"The government needs to build on its 'Low carbon transition plan' and put in place a comprehensive delivery framework.
"What we have proposed is achievable and affordable but action needs to be taken now if we are to make our contribution to combating climate change."
In the transport sector, the committee suggested measures to ensure that vehicles are as economical as the rest of Europe.
And the introduction of 'smarter choices' schemes across the country was suggested in a bid to encourage more use of public transport and cycling.
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