The UK will announce new plans this year to raise its ambition on climate action, including efforts to decarbonise all sectors.
Business and energy secretary Andrea Leadsom made the pledge today at the launching of the next UN climate conference (COP26), which will be hosted by the UK.
Leadsom said: “The UK has a proud record in tackling climate change and making the most of the enormous economic potential of clean technologies.
“This is my number one priority, and we will raise our ambition in this year of climate action, including with new plans to decarbonise every sector, enabling a greener future for all our children.”
The government recently committed to a 40GW by 2030 target for offshore wind, a 10GW increase on the original Sector Deal agreed with the UK offshore wind industry earlier last year.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson launched COP26 at an event in London and highlighted the UK’s position as a “world leader” in the response to climate change.
Johnson said: “Hosting COP26 is an important opportunity for the UK and nations across the globe to step up in the fight against climate change.
“As we set out our plans to hit our ambitious 2050 net zero target across this year, so we shall urge others to join us in pledging net zero emissions.”
The Prime Minister was joined in central London by Sir David Attenborough and Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte at an event launching COP26.
“There can be no greater responsibility than protecting our planet, and no mission that a global Britain is prouder to serve. 2020 must be the year we turn the tide on global warming – it will be the year when we choose a cleaner, greener future for all,” Johnson said.
The Prime Minister will call for international efforts to reach net zero carbon emissions as early as possible through “investment in cleaner, greener technology, preservation of our natural habitat and measures to improve resilience to climate change impact,” according to a government statement.