UK Prime Minister Theresa May will put a proposal to parliament today committing the country to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
The proposal will amend the 2008 Climate Change Act and is based on advice from the independent Committee on Climate Change, which published its landmark ‘Net Zero: the UK’s contribution to stopping global warming’ report last month.
“This legislation will mean that the UK is on track to become the first G7 country to legislate for net zero emissions, with other major economies expected to follow suit,” the government said.
It added that an assessment will be carried out within five years to “confirm that other countries are taking similarly ambitious action, multiplying the effect of the UK’s lead and ensuring that our industries do not face unfair competition”.
The government added that it will will retain the ability to use international carbon credits to help meet the goal.
“Using international credits within an appropriate monitoring, reporting and verification framework is the right thing to do for the planet, allowing the UK to maximise the value of each pound spent on climate change mitigation,” it said.
May said: “As the first country to legislate for long-term climate targets, we can be truly proud of our record in tackling climate change.
“We have made huge progress in growing our economy and the jobs market while slashing emissions.
“Now is the time to go further and faster to safeguard the environment for our children.
“This country led the world in innovation during the Industrial Revolution, and now we must lead the world to a cleaner, greener form of growth.
“Reaching net zero by 2050 is an ambitious target, but it is crucial that we achieve it to ensure we protect our planet for future generations.”
Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Greg Clark said: “We want to continue our global leadership and that’s why we are introducing a legally binding net zero target to end the UK’s contribution to global warming entirely by 2050.
“The report we commissioned from the Committee on Climate Change makes clear that we have laid the foundations to achieve a net zero emissions economy, and that it is necessary and feasible.”
Energy UK chief executive Lawrence Slade said: “This exciting commitment from the government to meeting the 2050 net-zero target will see the UK continue its world-leading role in tackling climate change, and the energy sector is ready to lead further progress which will deliver benefits for the environment, the economy and customers.
“Net-zero can be achieved but only if the ambition is supported by the right policies.
“This can only happen with consistent and bold policy-making from across all government departments to support the target and we look forward to working with the government to achieve our shared ambition.”
The regional Welsh government in the UK has also committed to the net zero goal.
Welsh Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths said: “It is vitally important the UK Government ensures the costs and benefits of moving to net-zero are spread fairly across the UK, including support for vulnerable workers and consumers.”