15 March, 2016
Exciting news! The UK Government have announced this morning their plans to make it legally-binding for the UK to establish a zero emissions target!
Specific details of the law change are yet to be released, however following last year’s climate deal in Paris, it is clear that the UK must build on the agreements made at the COP21 and shape momentum in the fight against climate change.
As it stands, current law states that emissions must be cut by 80% by 2050… however energy ministers have stated that this just isn’t enough! With February being abnormally hot by a record amount globally and last year seeing atmospheric concentrations of CO2 jump by the highest amount ever, it’s clear that today’s announcement is not only a step in the right direction, but a crucial move in securing a safer future for our planet.
Ministers believe that this move not only makes both economic and scientific sense, but also will help in sending a signal to other countries that this is the right thing to do. ‘The question is not whether, it’s how we do it’, stated energy minister Andrea Leadsom, showing just how important our government believe a carbon free future to be.
This announcement may come as a surprise when we look at the government’s recent track record in terms of green policies, for example its push for dangerous fracking and cuts to subsidies for renewable energy. The 100% goal is certainly a progressive view from the government, however we will wait to see whether this will be followed up by providing the policy ecosystem with a full reduction to be achieved, especially when considering the final 20% of carbon cuts will come from sectors such as farming, which have been a mainstay of the British economy.
We’ve seen major announcements from government before, only to see the practice not follow the PR, so we’ll certainly be tuned to see how this one develops...
However, in the meatime, let’s all make sure we jump on board this goal and do our own bit for securing a carbon free future. Why not check out these handy tips on how to reduce your own carbon footprint and join us on the road to an environmentally friendly future!