UK leads way on path to global decarbonization
By Jonathan Powell in London | China Daily Global | Updated: 2019-06-12 23:58
Britain's move to set a legally binding target to end its contribution to climate change by 2050 makes the nation a leader on climate action, as the first member of the G7 group of major economies to put a net zero target into law.
The commitment follows a landmark report last month from the Committee on Climate Change, which concluded a net zero target was technically feasible, in line with the Paris Agreement, and could be achieved at a cost of around one to two percent of GDP in 2050.
This pledge was due to be made in an amendment to the Climate Change Act laid in Parliament on Wednesday. It will amend the existing goal to cut climate pollution by 80 percent by 2050, which was agreed by MPs under the Climate Change Act of 2008.
Outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May said the United Kingdom led the world to wealth through fossil fuels in the industrial revolution, so it was appropriate to lead the recovery.
"This country led the world in innovation during the Industrial Revolution, and now we must lead the world to a cleaner, greener form of growth," May said. "Standing by is not an option. Reaching net zero by 2050 is an ambitious target, but it is crucial that we achieve it to ensure we protect our planet for future generations.
"We have made huge progress in growing our economy and the jobs market while slashing emissions."
"Now is the time to go further and faster to safeguard the environment for our children. We must lead the world to a cleaner, greener form of growth."
The decision to boost the UK's climate ambitions comes in the wake of growing public and business pressure for more action on climate change.
Hitting net zero — a 100 percent cut in emissions — will mean an end to heating of homes with traditional gas boilers, more green electricity, and a switch from petrol and diesel cars to electric vehicles, walking and cycling. It could require people to eat less meat and dairy and take fewer flights.
Any remaining pollution in 2050 from areas including aviation will need to be offset through measures to cut carbon such as planting trees.
Pushing through the net zero legislation will require every sector of the UK economy — including aviation and shipping, which are not officially part of existing emissions commitments — to fully decarbonize by 2050.
It is expected to unleash billions of pounds in new green infrastructure investment, trigger a wave of fresh decarbonization policies, and drive targeted research and development efforts to help tackle emissions from high carbon sectors.
Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, director-general of business group the Confederation of British Industry, said UK companies were "squarely behind" the commitment.
She said: "Climate leadership can drive UK competitiveness and secure long-term prosperity."
