The UK Government has launched its independent review into the delivery of the country’s net-zero climate commitments.
With the UK retaining its target to reach net zero by 2050, former Energy Minister Chris Skidmore will lead the review of how the government will deliver the target.
The review aims to identify new ways to deliver the legally binding target by 2050 that are pro-business and pro-growth.
This includes finding the most economically efficient path to reaching net zero while promoting business interests and ensuring economic growth.
It will also explore how to maximise the economic opportunities that the target presents as well as increase innovation, investment, exports and jobs; as well as the economic costs and benefits associated with new and emerging policies and technologies.
Since the UK government published its Net Zero Strategy, there have been major changes to the global economic and political landscape, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, high global energy prices and inflation.
Chair of the Net Zero Review Chris Skidmore said: “The UK continues to lead the world on tackling climate change, having been the first G7 country to commit in law to net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.
“This review seeks to ‘double down’ on how we can ensure that our energy transition happens at the same time as maximising the economic opportunity for businesses and households across the country, providing huge opportunities for innovation, investment, exports and jobs. I want to ensure that net zero isn’t just viewed as the right thing to do for our environment- but becomes an essential driver of economic growth.
“I’m kicking off a three-month review today to find the best ways of making this happen – speaking to as many people in as many sectors and regions as possible, to ensure the review generates fresh policy ideas that can ensure we deliver a ‘big bang’ moment for net zero.”
UK Secretary of State for Business and Energy Jacob Rees-Mogg added: “”Chris Skidmore’s rapid review will help us identify how best to make that happen, while also ensuring all parts of the UK reap the economic benefits of tackling climate change that I have no doubt will be on offer.”