British PM Gordon Brown has told his ministers to count the cost of global warming—literally. For each ton of carbon a new project emits, the UK will tack on a “carbon price" to account for climate costs. The move will prove a boon to carbon-free energy sources like nuclear power, and affect policies ranging from housing to new roads to airport expansions, the Guardian reports.
Carbon will cost £25.50 per ton to start, and rise every year until reaching £59.60 in 2050. Brown intends the prices to keep Britain on track to meet its emissions targets, a major policy goal. “This is far bigger than people realize,” the UK climate minister said. “Gordon Brown may not ride a bike, but by god he is showing a lead.” (More Britain stories.)