New emissions target set for UK

The government has set a new emissions target in a move it said would help limit bills, grow the economy and tackle the climate crisis.   

Its proposed level for the seventh Carbon Budget, which sets a science-led target of an emissions reduction of around 87% in the period 2038 to 2042 compared to 1990, is based on forecasts around adoption of technologies such as solar, batteries and EVs.

It said the level chosen maximises the benefits of the clean energy and net zero transition, including to the economy, health and nature and is consistent with the Paris Agreement aim to keep global warming to 1.5 degrees, to avoid climate disaster for future generations

Nigel Topping CMG, Chair of the Climate Change Committee, said it was “delighted” that the Government had accepted its advised level for the budget.

“The Government must make its own pathway; but investors, businesses, and trade unions can have confidence in the work that we have done to show this is a feasible yet ambitious approach to a more secure world,” he said.

“We will continue to hold the Government to account for how it delivers against its targets and celebrate the successes the country has achieved.”