SSE and ScottishPower are among 10 companies that have today written to the UK Prime Minister Theresa May calling on advanced economies to aim for net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest.
The authors said that to “fulfil the promises made in the Paris Agreement, advanced economies like the UK should aim for net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest, and hope the government will carefully study the evidence in the recent IPCC report and set its ambition accordingly”.
They welcomed the fact that the government has asked the Committee on Climate Change for advice on a net zero emission target.
“As business leaders, we understand that stretching goals bring challenges but we are also aware that the transition to a climate-safe world with net zero emissions is necessary, that the work to achieve this has already begun, and that human ingenuity can achieve wonders,” they added.
The letter also noted that in the 10 years since the Climate Change Act came into effect UK emissions have fallen 40%, while the economy has grown by 70%.
“Indeed, as your own government has made clear, the fastest growing parts of the economy are the new, green industries, which are able to pay their way whilst safeguarding a cleaner, safer environment for us all,” the letter said.
The companies said by ‘net zero’ emissions they mean cutting discharges released into the atmosphere by human activity until the amount released is no greater than the amount removed through, for example, reforestation and or new technology.
SSE chief executive Alistair Phillips-Davies said: “The most recent report by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change highlighted again the very real and serious risks that climate change represents. That’s why SSE has no doubt about endorsing big targets and bold ambitions.
“Warm words aren’t enough. It’s deeds that matter. Our decision to refocus SSE on energy networks and renewable energy is based on the fact that it’s these businesses that will help enable the transition to a decarbonised electricity system and so help combat climate change.
“Through investment and innovation in networks and renewable energy we can be proud of the contribution to decarbonisation that SSE has made so far. Today’s letter and study show much more work lies ahead, and we’re setting SSE up to show leadership in commitment to decarbonisation and action in helping to deliver it.”
Other companies that are signatories to the letter are Anglian Water, Coca Cola, Danone, IAG, Thames Water, Unilever, Interface and Signify.