The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) was created in October 2008, bringing together energy policy (previously with BERR - the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform) with climate change mitigation policy (previously with Defra - the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).

DECC is responsible for all aspects of UK energy policy, and for tackling global climate change. DECC exists to tackle the challenges to the environment, economy, and the future security of our energy supplies. It?s creation reflects the fact that climate change and energy policies are inextricably linked ? two thirds of emissions come from the energy we use. Decisions in one field cannot be made without considering the impacts in the other.

DECC's three overall objectives are:

• Ensuring our energy is secure, affordable and efficient. Helping people save money and save the environment, including through improved energy efficiency, and addressing fuel poverty.;
• Bringing about the transition to a low-carbon Britain;
• Achieving an international agreement on climate change at the UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen, December 2009, and, as the UK imports more energy, ensuring that our supplies are secure, reliable, and from diverse sources.

The Committee on Climate Change (CCC)

The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) is an independent body established under the Climate Change Act to advise the Government on emissions targets, and to report to Parliament on progress made in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It's role is to:

• Provide independent advice to Government on setting and meeting carbon budgets and targets.
• Monitor progress in reducing emissions and achieving carbon budgets.
• Conduct independent research and analysis into climate change.
• Engage with representatives interested in climate change from across the UK in order to share research and information on climate change and gain input into our analysis.