Comment: Climate Change Committee’s 2023 report to Parliament on progress in reducing emissions

“The CCC’s latest report makes for concerning reading and should serve as a wake-up call to Ministers. While the Government has indicated the ‘what’ it intends to deliver, there remain gaps in the ‘how’ to achieve through policy levers, leaving stakeholders at a loss to judge whether the UK is properly on track to meet its net zero commitments. This risks not creating sufficient confidence for investors looking to support the net zero transition in the UK: the current demand signals to investors lack clarity and consistency.

“Snappy, soundbite intent of ‘installing 600,000 heat pumps annually’, or ‘planting 30,000 hectares of trees a year’ sound impressive, but the detail on delivery and progress remains lacking. The CCC has pointed out these initiatives, which the Committee has also examined, are far from being on track to meet the net zero targets set for this decade let alone for the next decades on the path to net zero by 2050.

“Quick wins ranging from allowing more onshore wind and solar, reviewing planning rules around grid development, insulating homes and clear policy to create the green jobs of the future are just a few initiatives that can deliver real, tangible benefits. Our Committee has been advocating these measures throughout this Parliament, backed up by clear and consistent evidence from a range of experts.

“The CCC has indicated clearly what policy initiatives are required to get Ministers to where they need to be to achieve Net Zero Britain. Unless ambitious policy direction is given now, the Government risks the unravelling of the last few years of climate leadership, which was spurred on by the UK’s hosting of COP26 in Glasgow and its landmark agreements.

“Polling has consistently shown that climate change is one of the biggest concerns facing adults in Britain: the Government must listen and grasp the significant challenge ahead.

“The Committee looks forward to discussing this important report with the Climate Change Committee before the summer recess.”

Further information

• Environmental Audit Committee
• About Parliament: Select committees
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