CCC report: Net Zero impossible with current UK government policies

The independent Climate Change Committee has published its latest Progress Report, focused on Britain’s efforts to reduce emissions, which sends out a stark warning to Downing Street. 

‘Major failures’ must be addressed in the UK government’s programmes aimed at reducing emissions and securing the country’s net zero future, according to the independent Climate Change Committee (CCC). 

The 600-page Progress Report, published on Wednesday 29th June, uses new indicators to assess the suitability of policies and initiatives either active or due to come online imminently. Combined, these cover almost all areas of the economy, with many created in tandem with updated climate goals and the launch of a national Net Zero Strategy last year, which was applauded by the CCC at the time. 

However, this new assessment makes it clear there is ‘scant evidence of delivery’ against those headline goals. Although some areas are showing progress, there is a high likelihood of widespread under-delivery. It also makes the point that if the climate lead is to be effective, the rest of the world must be confident Britain will ‘keep our promises and that we have a clear and effective programme to achieve our commitments’. 

‘The UK is a champion in setting new climate goals, now we must be world-beaters in delivering them. In the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, the country is crying out to end its dependence on expensive fossil fuels,’ said CCC Chairman Lord Deben. ‘I welcome the Government’s restated commitment to Net Zero, but holes must be plugged in its strategy urgently. The window to deliver real progress is short. We are eagle-eyed for the promised action.’

In particular, the deployment of renewable energy – with emissions from power generation falling by 70% in the last decade alone – and electric vehicle [EV] adoption were praised. By comparison, major criticisms were made about the poor and ineffective efforts to improve energy efficiency in homes. 

‘The conclusions on progress towards improving home energy efficiency are disappointing, but not a surprise. This must be a higher priority and significant policy gaps must be addressed to help cut household energy bills and decarbonise our homes,’ said Stew Horne, Head of Policy at Energy Saving Trust, who recently wrote an op-ed for Environment Journal on domestic energy efficiency. 

‘More progress has been made in transport, where it is motivating and rewarding to see that the charging market is maturing as adoption of electric vehicles grows in line with the low carbon transport agenda. It is important that this progress continues. The UK has some of the most ambitious climate pledges of any major economy, yet government needs to show sustained leadership by settling out the detailed delivery plans for how we get to a net zero future,’ he continued.’

Reducing emissions from agriculture and land use were flagged as the weakest of all Downing Street climate policies. ‘The committee is right to highlight that progress in reducing farming emissions has been glacial – government urgently needs to wake up to the scale of the challenge,’ said Gareth Morgan, Soil Association Head of Farming Policy.

‘The committee is also right to challenge the government’s over-reliance on innovation and productivity gains to improve farm sustainability,’ he continued. ‘We should act now to support a rapid shift to climate and nature-friendly farming across the UK, as evidence shows that agroecology can help us create a productive, diverse food system that is resilient in the face of a changing climate.

The report goes on to state that just one-third of required emissions reductions are now covered by credible plans, with a third impossible to achieve unless new steps are taken. Specific issues were  raised with a lack of management infrastructure and accountability. Public engagement must also improve dramatically, and the lack of strategy on this, three years after signing the Net Zero target into law, was flagged. Changes to tax strategy, planning legislation, and property development regulations are also needed. 

You can read the full CCC report here.

Image credit: Martin Adams / Karsten Würth