The Climate Change Committee progress report asserts that the transition to net zero must be accelerated and broadened into more sectors
Key takeaways
- The UK has successfully achieved the third carbon budget (2018-2022) and more than halved its emissions since 1990.
- The electricity supply sector has been the standout contributor to the fall in emissions – their emissions fell by 72% between 2008-2022, contributing almost half the total of economy-wide emissions reductions.
- However, the momentum of delivering the UK’s net zero target needs to sharply accelerate in most other sectors. Currently only 1/3 of emissions reductions required to achieve the 2030 target are covered by credible plans.
The Climate Change Committee advises the UK and devolved governments on their emissions targets. Their 2024 progress report asserts that whilst the UK has a strong record of progress in reducing their emissions – the transition must be accelerated and broadened into more sectors.
Ed Miliband responding to the report in a House of Commons debate and Labour’s ambitious decarbonisation policy for committing to clean energy by 2030 and delivering Great British Energy highlight how the CCC’s recommendations will play a pivotal role in shaping Labour’s net zero agenda.
Sectoral policy recommendations
Electricity Supply
Electricity supply has been the most successful sector to reduce their emissions since 1990, due to the closure of coal-fired power stations and the expansion of renewable energy generation. This momentum needs to continue with “sustained decarbonisation action.”
- The CfD mechanism has been transformative in delivering offshore wind projects. However, the sufficiency of the sixth allocation round budget remains a
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