Source-flint-global.com
The new Labour government faces an urgent challenge to bring Britain back on course to meet its 2030 climate target, with only a third of the required emission reductions currently backed by a credible plan, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) warned on Thursday.
Urgent Action Required
As part of its commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, Britain aims to cut emissions by 68% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. However, progress towards this goal has stalled, partly due to the previous Conservative government’s rollback of some environmental policies, the CCC noted in its annual progress report.
“The country’s 2030 emissions reduction target is at risk. The new Labour government has an opportunity to course-correct, but it will need to be done as a matter of urgency,” said Piers Forster, the committee’s interim chair.
Key Recommendations
The report outlined ten critical recommendations for the new Labour government, including:
- Revise Electricity Billing: Remove some levies from electricity bills to promote the electrification of other sectors such as heating and transport.
- Restore Phase-Out of Fossil Fuel Vehicles: Reinstate the 2030 phase-out of new fossil fuel car and van sales, a target which the former government had delayed to 2035.
- Increase Renewable Installations: Triple annual offshore wind installations, double onshore wind installations, and increase solar installations five-fold by 2030.
- Boost Electric Vehicle Market: Raise the market share of new electric cars to nearly 100% from the current 16.5%.
- Expand Heat Pump Usage: Increase the proportion of homes with heat pumps to 10% by 2030, up from the current 1%.
Government Response
Britain’s Energy Secretary Ed Miliband emphasized the government’s swift actions within its first week, which include lifting the effective ban on new onshore wind projects, approving new solar projects, and establishing a National Wealth Fund to finance green investments and infrastructure.
“This action will accelerate us towards meeting our targets, as we drive forward in our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower,” Miliband said in an emailed statement.
Historical Context and Future Ambition
Britain has made significant progress, halving its emissions since 1990 primarily by phasing out coal in the electricity sector. However, more ambitious efforts are needed across various sectors to meet the 2030 targets.
“We need to see that level of ambition applied to heat pumps, EVs, and tree planting,” said James Richardson, the CCC’s acting chief executive, in a briefing with journalists.
The new Labour government’s rapid and decisive action will be crucial in ensuring that Britain not only meets its 2030 emissions reduction target but also paves the way to achieving net zero by 2050.
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