Unions showed their displeasure over the government's plans to drop carbon emissions by 60 per cent before 2050. It will be inadequate to stem global warming.

"His union had profound concerns over the 60 per cent target, said Paul Noon, Prospect general secretary, speaking at a TUC conference debate on the environment.  

The proposed cut would be insufficient, agreed Helen Rose from Unison. "All nations must work together to ensure global temperature rises do not exceed two degrees or risk the devastating effect of further climate change", she told delegates.

Welcoming the climate change bill, Ms Rose warned the government. "It was not the cavalry coming over the Hill", she added.

"There is now a clear and overwhelming consensus among scientists over the reality and risks of climate change", Mr Noon told delegates. He called on the TUC and UK to show leadership and commitment towards averting its environmental impact.

He warned leaders not to repeat the moorings of the 1980s when Uk lost the initiative on new wind power technologies.

UK will require greater economic planning if politicians are serious about stemming global climate change, agreed Ms Rose.

"The effects of climate change were brought home by the devastating effects of the summer floods in Yorkshire and Gloucestershire", said, Tam McFarlane from the Fire Brigades Union. 

Addressing the TUC, CBI director general, Richard Lambert expressed that the UK could lead the market in manufacturing new technologies for a low carbon economy.