The UK became the first major economy in the world to pass laws to end its contribution to global warming by 2050. The target will mandate the UK to bring all GHG emissions to net zero by 2050, in comparison to the previous target of at least 80% reduction from 1990 levels.
The UK has already cut emissions by 42%, while at the same time growing the economy by 72%. The country has also implemented clean growth at the heart of its modern Industrial Strategy. This could lead the number of ‘green collar jobs’ to rise to 2 million and the value of exports from the low carbon economy to grow to £170 billion a year by 2030.
Speaking on the passage of the law, Energy and Clean Growth Minister Chris Skidmore, said:
Today we’re leading the world yet again in becoming the first major economy to pass new laws to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050 while remaining committed to growing the economy – putting clean growth at the heart of our modern Industrial Strategy
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Mr. Skidmore added that the UK is pioneering the way for other countries to follow in driving prosperity by seizing the economic opportunities of becoming a greener economy. The UK’s 2050 net zero target was recommended by the Committee on Climate Change. It means that any emissions would be balanced by schemes to offset an equal amount of GHG from the atmosphere, like planting trees or using technology like carbon capture and storage
Now, the UK is hosting Green GB Week on 4 November to encourage all corners of the country and sectors of society to play their part in complying with these ambitious targets.
11 years ago, the UK had passed the Climate Change Act, which is the first legislation in the world to set legally binding, long-term targets for reducing emissions. That Act passed with strong cross-party support from all sides of the House and created a vital precedent on climate.
