UK unlikely to reach Net Zero by 2050
The UK Climate Change Committee (CCC) says that the UK government’s current plans are unlikely to put us on track for Net Zero by 2050.
The CCC’s Monitoring Framework identifies over 300 indicators for tracking progress in reducing emissions. Despite some bright spots, they are yet to see tangible progress in many key areas.
In June, the CCC assessed the Government’s plans for reducing emissions in all sectors of the economy. They found that only 39% of the required emissions savings are backed up by credible plans or policies:
- Credible plans are in place for most of electricity supply and transport
- Significant risks remain in most sectors, particularly buildings, industry, aviation & shipping
- Plans are insufficient for much of the agriculture and land use sector
The Government’s Jet Zero Strategy in July 2022 made no improvement to the CCC’s previous assessment in June.
In September 2022 they published a letter to Prime Minister Liz Truss setting out the positive case for action on energy efficiency, low carbon heat and renewables in the face of the cost of living crisis.
They also supported a Citizens Panel, which showed that the public want action on energy efficiency, but require more advice and support.
The CCC say the government’s plans lean heavily on innovation but neglect the role of demand-side measures such as reducing car dependency and diet change.
The UK’s climate is getting warmer, but the London School of Economics says the UK government has long neglected calls for a National Heat Risk Strategy.
For more details see
www.theccc.org.uk/uk-action-on-climate-change/progress-snapshot