The chair of the UK’s Energy Security & Net Zero Committee Bill Esterson MP said he is keen to scrutinise the key elements of the government’s plan to reduce carbon emissions.
The move comes after the latest Climate Change Committee advice to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero advocating an 81% cut in UK emissions by 2035.
Esterson (pictured) said: “There’s decades-long recognition that the transition to green energy and away from fossil fuels will be advantageous to the UK, both in terms of climate and economy.
“The Climate Change Committee has again spelled out the benefits to jobs and bills, as well as from tackling global warming, of hitting our climate targets.
“The UK was, until recently, at the forefront of driving towards a cleaner global economy, and the Secretary of State has set out how he wants the UK to get back to a position of global leadership.
“My committee will be at the forefront of Parliament’s scrutiny of the delivery of the government’s plans; seeking to be a critical friend; examining how these plans will be delivered and making recommendations on how government can improve its ability to deliver both the environmental and economic gains.”
Friends of the Earth meanwhile warned the 2035 target will be “fatally undermined” unless the UK delivers on its existing 2030 target – which is significantly off track.
“The government must ramp up its ambition on plans to cut UK emissions – with a reduction of 81% at the very least by 2035 – as part of its contribution to international efforts to tackle climate change,” Friends of the Earth said.
Head of science, policy and research at the body Mike Childs said: “With climate change spiralling dangerously out of control, the recommended 81% cut should be seen as the very minimum carbon reduction target the UK government should commit to.
“Ramping up ambition to make even deeper cuts in practice would show real leadership in global efforts to avert the worst of climate breakdown.
“Setting strong future targets is essential, but this will be fatally undermined if existing commitments aren’t met – and the UK is way off track for meeting its pledge to cut planet-warming pollution by over two thirds by 2030.
“The government has until May next year to deliver a bold new climate plan, following our successful legal challenge. This must set out how it will meet these crucial targets and ensure a fair, green transition to a zero-carbon economy that creates jobs, cuts bills and emissions.”
Friends of the Earth has suggested a minimum cut of 82%, excluding international shipping and aviation emissions, by 2035 would be in line with the current Climate Change Act target for the period.
Under the Paris climate agreement, nations agreed to pledge cuts to their emissions every five years, knowns as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and the UK government is expected to make its 2035 commitment at next month’s UN climate summit (COP29) in Baku.
However, Friends of the Earth warned the UK’s current 2030 target remains dangerously off track.
A report published by the environment organisation last year estimated under the previous government’s policies, UK greenhouse gas emissions in 2030 would only be around 59% lower than 1990 – leaving a gap of 9 percentage points with the target of 68%.
Greenpeace UK policy director Doug Parr added: “As hurricanes, wildfires and floods continue to destroy homes and livelihoods across the world we urgently need to see the boldest possible commitments from countries to reduce emissions by 2035.
“The UN has just warned that the 1.5C target is on life support, and that action in the next decade particularly by wealthier countries is critical to its survival.
“The Climate Change Committee has given Ministers a useful benchmark for climate action but they may want to aim higher to show true global leadership and take full responsibility for the UK’s historic role as a major carbon polluter.
“Actions speak louder than words, and true leadership means the government must also set out tangible plans to deliver on its 2035 target.
“They should confirm Labour’s manifesto promise to end new oil and gas licences, at least triple renewables and double energy efficiency rates by 2030, and properly support workers to transition away from polluting industries.”