The UK will end its contribution to climate change by 2050, thanks to legislation set out today – news which has been welcomed by North Swindon MP, Justin Tomlinson.
In May, the independent Committee on Climate Change recommended that the UK commit to net zero emissions by 2050. After careful consideration, the Government will start the legislative process for a net zero greenhouse gas emissions target today.
The move sees the UK become the first major economy to legislate to end its contribution to global warming – reflecting the UK’s leading role in the area to date.
UK efforts to tackle its contribution to global warming have included:
- Phasing out coal power, leading to two full weeks without burning any coal – the longest time since the Industrial Revolution. Britain has already had 1,500 coal free hours in 2019 so far, as total coal power use has dropped by almost two-thirds compared with the first four months of 2018. We will phase out unabated coal completely by 2025.
- Supporting renewable technologies, securing the future of clean energy in the UK. With our support, £92 billion has been invested by businesses in clean energy since 2010 and renewables now generate 37.1 per cent of the UK’s electricity, up from 6.1 per cent in 2010 .
- Creating hundreds of thousands of low carbon jobs, growing our economy while reducing emissions. Our investment has meant there are almost 400,000 people working in low carbon businesses and their supply chains across the country – and through the Moderin Industrial Strategy the Government plan to create 2 million high quality jobs by 2010.
These measures have had a significant effect on the UK’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions – since 2010 greenhouse gases have reduced by a quarter, renewable energy generation has increased six-fold, and the UK is reducing emission faster than any other G20 country.
Through the Government’s modern Industrial Strategy, it is investing in clean growth to ensure the UK reap the rewards and creates two million high quality jobs by 2030. By supporting renewable technologies, the Government can create a cleaner, greener future for generations to come.
Justin Tomlinson MP said: “We can be truly proud of our record in tackling climate change – slashing emissions while continuing to grow our economy. Reaching net zero by 2050 is an ambitious target, but one that we must achieve if we are to protect our planet for future generations.”
