With the Brexit results, a big concern was that Climate action would become a victim of the fallout after the EU Referendum. But the UK has set an ambitious new Carbon target for the early 2030s – the adopted climate targets will require cuts to greenhouse gas emissions of 57% by 2030.
Energy Secretary Amber Rudd, on the advice of the government’s climate advisers, was keen to assuage fears that Brexit could undermine the UK’s position as a leader on climate action.
The community-owned Westmill Solar Park in South East England Photo: Neil Maw via Wikimedia Commons
Responding to the announcement on UK committing to reduce emissions to an annual average of 57% below 1990 levels between 2028-2032, WWF-UK’s Head of Energy and Climate Change Emma Pinchbeck said, “As Amber Rudd reminded us this week, the UK’s Climate Change Act makes Britain, even outside the EU, a pioneering force on climate change. So it’s great that the Government has ignored siren voices from the fringes, listened to the scientists, and has set a new carbon target which will help boost the green economy. Committing to cut UK emissions by 57% by 2032 shows the UK can still lead on international issues- but also that we will stand alongside friends, allies and neighbours across the world to tackle the big challenges facing us.
“Now the government must get on with delivering against this target. Ministers should ratify the International Paris Agreement, and produce a carbon plan that doesn’t just flag-wave at change but spells out how our home-grown low carbon industries can help deliver a stable economic future.”
The legally binding fifth carbon budget is tougher than the Carbon Emissions target the UK is signed up to as part of the EU, which requires a 40% cut by 2030 on 1990 levels. The Guardian reports that the target means no more than 1,725m metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) can be emitted during that time. In 2015, the UK emitted 497 MtCO2e.
The target is part of a series of budgets designed to ensure the UK meets the Act’s commitment of bringing emissions down 80% by 2050. Of course, strong policies would need to follow this announcement but the green energy sector can breathe a sigh of relief… for the moment at least.
Also Read: Norway to be Carbon Neutral by 2030.
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