The 10 ways the UK can fix climate goals as U-turns create huge setback

The latest assessment from the Climate Change Committee (CCC), which was delayed for the general election, has found only a third of the cuts in greenhouse gas emissions needed to hit the country’s 2030 target – the first on the route to net zero by 2050 – are covered by credible plans.

Urgent action

The independent body has stressed “urgent” action must be taken, outlining ten priority measures that could get the country back on track.

Top among these are to make electricity cheaper, ramp up tree planting and peatland restoration and reverse recent policy rollbacks that saw rules for fossil-fuel boiler phase-out, energy-efficiency improvements for rented homes and a ban on new petrol and diesel cars and vans delayed or relaxed.

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Other recommendations include removing planning barriers for green schemes such as electric vehicle charge points and onshore wind farms and accelerating electrification of industrial heat.

The report acknowledges UK emissions have halved since 1990, largely down to the phase-out of coal and increase in renewable energy.

Decarbonising power has been a “huge success”, the committee says, but similar progress is now needed to slash emissions from transport, buildings, industry and agriculture, now the most climate-polluting sectors. They conclude that measures in place from the previous government “will not deliver enough action”.

Climate targets at risk

Interim CCC chair Professor Piers Forster said: “The country’s 2030 emissions reduction target is at risk. The new government has an opportunity to course correct, but it will need to be done as a matter of urgency to make up for lost time.

“They are off to a good start. Action needs to extend beyond electricity, with rapid progress needed on electric cars, heat pumps and tree planting.

“The transition to net zero can deliver investment, lower bills and energy security. It will help the UK keep its place on the world stage. It is a way for this government to serve both the people of today and the people of tomorrow.”

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The departed government has come under fire over the country’s poor progress on climate change.

“The Conservatives’ lack of ambition relinquished our place as a global climate leader,” said MP Wera Hobhouse, climate and energy spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats.

“This report makes clear that the days of U-turning on climate commitments and diluting environmental targets must come to an end.”

Tania Kumar, net zero director for the Confederation of British Industry, said: “Accelerating the decarbonisation of homes and commercial buildings, deployment of electric vehicles and implementation of nature-based solutions is now essential if we’re to get the UK back on track and meet our climate commitments.

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“With the majority of net zero investment set to come from the private sector, the new government’s commitments to streamline burdensome planning processes, reverse the ban on onshore wind and promote a more joined-up approach to infrastructure development are all welcome signals. However, this early momentum must be sustained.”

The CCC will publish an updated path to net zero early next year.