Not fast enough according to the Greens
Full report from the House of Commons Library
Here’s a two-page summary of the key points from the “The UK’s Plans and Progress to Reach Net Zero by 2050” research briefing:
Page 1: Overview and Targets
The UK is committed to reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, as legally mandated by the Climate Change Act 2008. This target aims to limit global warming and mitigate climate change. The UK has set interim targets and carbon budgets to track progress towards this goal.
Key Targets and Governance:
- Net Zero by 2050: A legally binding target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 100% below 1990 levels.
- Carbon Budgets: Five-yearly caps on emissions, with the seventh carbon budget to be set by June 2026.
- Interim Targets: The UK committed to reducing economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by at least 68% by 2030 and 81% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels.
Policy Developments:
- Net Zero Strategy (2021): Outlined policies to meet the 2050 target but was deemed inadequate by the High Court.
- Carbon Budget Delivery Plan (2023): A revised strategy to meet carbon budgets four to six, but also faced legal challenges.
- Clean Power by 2030 (2024): A Labour Government initiative to accelerate decarbonization of the energy sector.
Progress and Challenges:
- Overall Assessment: The Climate Change Committee (CCC) assesses that the UK’s net zero target is “within reach, provided the government stays the course.” However, there are significant risks, particularly in sectors beyond energy supply.
- Sectoral Progress: While there has been progress in low-carbon technologies and the electrification of transport, challenges remain in decarbonizing industry, agriculture, and land use.
- Legal Challenges: The UK Government has faced legal challenges regarding the adequacy of its climate plans, leading to the requirement for a revised Carbon Budget Delivery Plan by October 2025.
Page 2: Sectoral Progress and Recommendations
Sectoral Breakdown:
- Electricity Supply: Significant progress with an 82% reduction in emissions since 2008, primarily due to phasing out coal. The closure of the last coal power station in 2024 marked a milestone.
- Transport: Surface transport is the highest emitting sector, responsible for 30% of UK emissions in 2024. There has been a resurgence in electric vehicle sales and charge point deployment, but challenges remain in meeting the 2030 phase-out date for new petrol and diesel cars.
- Heat and Buildings: Buildings accounted for 20% of UK emissions in 2022. Heat pump deployment has increased, but high costs and the need for a Warm Homes Plan to provide further ambition are noted.
- Industry: The industry sector contributed 13% of UK emissions in 2024. There has been improvement in plans for industry emissions, but significant risks remain, particularly in reducing the cost of electricity to enable a switch from fossil fuels to electric alternatives.
- Agriculture and Land Use: Agriculture contributed 12% of UK emissions in 2024. Progress in reducing emissions has been slow, with a lack of credible plans and significant risks in meeting targets.
CCC’s Priority Recommendations for 2025:
- Make electricity cheaper by removing policy costs.
- Scale up heat pump deployment and ensure the Warm Homes Plan is consistent with this ambition.
- Implement regulations to prevent new homes from being connected to the gas grid.
- Introduce a comprehensive program for decarbonizing public sector buildings.
- Accelerate the electrification of industrial heat and link the UK Emissions Trading Scheme to the EU market.
- Deliver a rapid expansion of the low-carbon electricity system.
- Ramp up tree planting and peatland restoration.
- Develop policy to address aviation emissions.
- Finalize business models for engineered carbon dioxide removals.
- Publish a strategy to support skills needed in green industries.
Conclusion:
The UK’s journey to net zero by 2050 is progressing, but significant challenges remain. The government’s plans have faced legal scrutiny, and there is a need for urgent action in several critical areas, particularly in making electricity cheaper and accelerating decarbonization across all sectors. The CCC’s recommendations provide a roadmap for the UK to stay on track to meet its net zero ambitions.