British lawmakers will today hand a letter to Prime Minister Theresa May calling for the adoption of a so-called net zero greenhouse gas emissions target before 2050.
The cross-party letter signed by 131 MPs states a target committing to a 100% carbon reduction is necessary for the UK to meet its legally-binding targets under the Paris Agreement.
The letter states moving to a net zero economy would put the UK at “the forefront of the race for investment in clean industries, creating jobs all around the UK and inspiring the next generation”.
Fully implementing a net zero emissions target would, it adds, “cut energy bills by improving the efficiency of our homes and businesses” and “get rid of the exhaust pipe emissions that pollute the air we breathe”.
The group of MPs are led by Conservative MP Simon Clarke, who will be joined at Number 10 by a cross-party delegation including Labour MP Mary Creagh and Green Party MP Caroline Lucas.
A recent poll by Opinium showed 63% of UK adults believe the UK should aim to cut its emissions to zero over the next few decades.
France, Norway, Sweden, Iceland and New Zealand are among countries to have already signaled they will target a mid-century net zero goal.