Interim Chair of the Climate Change Committee, Professor Piers Forster writes on how the UK has been at the forefront of the global battle on climate change, with a successful track record of reducing emissions.
With the commencement of COP29 this week, this article explores what Forster envisions as key priorities for the UK Government at the International Climate Summit.
Please note, this article was written prior to the start of COP29.
Professor Piers Forster
Interim Chair of the Climate Change CommitteeThe UK has been at the forefront of the global battle on climate change, with a successful track record of reducing emissions. This is genuine progress made by successive governments.
The Climate Change Committee is the UK’s adviser on tackling climate change. We have observed, advised and challenged the UK since the Climate Change Act was established in 2008. The UK has met all its legally required targets so far. That is no mean feat – the change in how we generate electricity (away from coal and towards renewables) required clear policy and a concerted effort to set the long-term direction for the UK. This action has led to strong progress being made, with the UK having halved its emissions since 1990.
Now, as the UK sets out to tackle the second half of its emissions targets and achieve its long-term target of Net Zero by 2050, similar clear policymaking and leadership will be required beyond the electricity sector – in areas such as transport, heating, industry, and agriculture.
The Next Five Years
This Parliament is crucial for delivering on those goals.
By 2030, the UK Government is aiming to decarbonise the electricity system. This represents a significant challenge; there are urgent barriers to overcome, from planning to processes to the time it takes to build infrastructure. If the Government achieves a reliable, resilient, decarbonised power system, it will be meeting a central requirement for achieving Net Zero – clean electricity also allows you to eliminate many of the other uses of fossil fuels. The Committee will be monitoring progress closely.
2030 is also the date of the UK’s first Nationally Determined Contribution – an international commitment made to reduce emissions. In the UK’s case, it has committed to a 68 per cent reduction. Our latest assessment of progress found that only a third of the emissions reductions required to achieve this 2030 target are currently covered by credible plans. That will need to change. It will require action across all sectors – renewable energy, electric cars, and heat pumps need to become the norm.
Assuming a five-year term, this is the last Parliament in which we can do what is needed to achieve these commitments. It is time to focus on how we get there.
Priorities for This Year
The UK should be in a phase of investment and delivery for the technologies mentioned above to become the norm. Offshore wind must increase three times, onshore wind will need to double, and solar must increase by five times by 2030. Heat pumps will need to significantly increase to nearly 10% of existing homes, and the market share of new electric cars will need to be nearly 100 per cent in 2030.
These increases are possible but do require quick actions to be taken now. The Government must set out long-term consistent messages that reiterate the direction of policy to businesses and households. The Government has made a positive start on this. It has removed the barriers to onshore wind, and it has increased the budget for the renewable energy auction. These are good to see but action must continue and be vaster than electricity generation.
We’ve asked the Government to make electricity cheaper – among other benefits, this will help ensure that electricity prices reflect the true low running costs of efficient heat pumps versus high-carbon fossil fuel boilers. Reversing policy rollbacks and reinstating the 2030 phase-out of new fossil fuel car and van sales can ensure businesses deliver on the ambitious zero-emission vehicle mandate with confidence. Removing barriers to technologies is a leading way to accelerate the action required. The Government has an opportunity to deliver and set the UK’s direction.
Looking Ahead to COP29
In November this year, the next international climate summit, COP29, will take place. Climate impacts are being seen all around the world at an alarming rate. The UK must look to go to COP this year with a story of action. It is very welcome that the UK Government has recommitted to serious climate policy. Now is the opportunity to reassert the UK’s leadership, acting alongside the rest of the world to realise the benefits. Tackling climate change is difficult, but the actions required can slow down the rate of warming, improve our health and drive economic growth.
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