The recent change in government here in the UK brings a wave of hope for some, but it’s not going to be an easy ride…
The UK is facing a critical moment in its journey towards achieving its 2030 and 2050 net zero emission targets. A recent progress report by the Climate Change Committee (CCC) has sounded the alarm declaring the country “off track” to meeting these. The previous government’s inconsistent approach, marked by policy cancellations and delays, has left a significant gap to bridge between now and net zero.
It has to be now!
The CCC’s findings are stark: the UK is falling short of its climate goals. To reverse this trend, the new Labour government must urgently implement a series of ambitious measures.
Key recommendations from the report include:
- Undoing policy U-turns by reinstating policies aimed at phasing out fossil fuel boilers, improving energy efficiency in rented homes, and accelerating the transition to electric vehicles.
- Boosting renewable energy by removing barriers to onshore wind, solar, and heat pumps, while ensuring the success of upcoming renewable energy auctions.
- Supporting industry and workers by providing financial incentives for industrial decarbonisation, strengthening the UK Emissions Trading Scheme, and developing a comprehensive skills improvement strategy.
- Investing in nature by accelerating tree planting and peatland restoration to enhance carbon capture.
In addition to this, a recent Green Alliance report also highlighted the importance of critical raw materials in the energy transition. The UK is heavily reliant on the mining of materials like lithium, cobalt and nickel from other countries and demand for them in the energy transition is expected to increase rapidly. The report urges the government to implement strategies to reduce the demand of these critical raw materials and boost UK infrastructure to reprocess, repurpose and reuse critical materials already in the country.
Get Britain Building again is a commitment in Labour’s winning manifesto. Has circularity been considered as a key part of this? Where are we getting all of these critical raw materials from? And how are we going to reduce their waste for the country’s own goals?
Nonetheless, the new government’s strong commitment to climate action is very welcome. The “Great British Energy” Bill, aiming to accelerate clean energy projects, is a positive step. Coupled with the proposed £7.3bn National Wealth Fund to attract private investment, there is potential for significant progress.
However, the CCC’s report serves as a reminder of the challenges ahead. The government must translate its ambitious rhetoric into concrete policies and rapid action. The UK’s ability to meet its net zero targets depends on it.
How will the new governments climate policies and action impact your business and the industry you work in? And how can your business contribute to net zero?
If you want to know more, get in touch by emailing contact@greenheartbusiness.com
