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The UK government commits to cutting carbon emissions by 78% 15 years ahead of schedule
28 April 2021
The government has made new climate change commitments, based on the advice of its independent Climate Change Committee (CCC) which will enable the UK to cut its carbon emissions by 78% by 2035 – 15 years earlier than planned.
Climate law will, for the first time, cover aviation and shipping – likely making it more expensive for frequent fliers. To meet this new deadline, more people drivers need to make the switch to electric vehicles (EVs) and walk or cycle more, rather than driving, homes will need to be much better insulated to reduce the use of low-carbon heating and consumers would need to cut down their meat and dairy intake.
Speaking to the BBC, environmental strategist company E3G’s chair Tom Burke said, "The most important thing, I think, is for [the prime minister] to focus his policy around energy efficiency, around wind and solar, and around storage of electricity and the management of the grid.”
Leo Murray of the climate charity Possible said that the announcement was "fantastic”, but also pointed out that ministers are "facing both directions at the same time", as the Green Homes Grant for insulating homes has been scrapped, airport expansion has not been stopped and ministers are "still pushing a £27bn roads budget". He said, "We're not on track to meet previous climate commitments and in many ways the government is still failing."
The CCC produced a report which has been accepted by the government and formed the basis for the new climate change commitments. The report says that UK low-carbon investment must be increased to £50bn per year, but that eventually fuel savings and better equipment will cover costs.
It estimates that 1% of gross domestic product (GDP) will need to be invested over 30 years.
Lord chairman on the CCC Lord Deben said, "The implication of this path is clear: the utmost focus is required from government over the next 10 years.
"If policy is not scaled up across every sector, if business is not encouraged to invest, if the people of the UK are not engaged in this challenge - the UK will not deliver net zero by 2050. The 2020s must be the decisive decade of progress and action."
E3G’ campaigns director Ed Matthew said, "Setting an ambitious emission reduction target would boost the UK's diplomatic drive to persuade other countries to set out ambitious targets of their own.
"The UK now has the opportunity to spark a global green industrial revolution, but ultimately its credibility will rest on action."
What does ‘net zero emissions’ mean?
To reach net zero emissions, the UK must cut emissions as much as possible and balancing out any remaining emissions produced. Practices such as tree planting can be used to balance emission output.
We at Marshall Leasing are always interested in the latest news about government strategy to reduce carbon emissions and we trust that you find this information useful. If you would like to find out more about how we can help you to make the switch to electric, please get in touch with us at info@marshall-leasing.co.uk or by calling 01480 414541.
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