Is cheaper electricity on the horizon? MPs quiz Climate Change Committee on UK preparations for net zero
On Monday MPs on the Environmental Audit Committee will hear evidence from the Climate Change Committee (CCC), Parliament’s independent advisor on climate progress, on the progress the UK is making towards a net zero economy.
Meeting details
MPs will ask the CCC’s Chief Executive Emma Pinchbeck and its Chief Economist about the UK’s efforts to both mitigate climate change by reducing emissions and adapt to its effects such as extreme weather.
On mitigation, MPs are likely to ask about the Government’s progress towards making electricity cheaper – a longtime recommendation of the Climate Change Committee. They may ask about the challenge of decarbonising the aviation sector and what role demand management can play, and the impact the recently-introduced electric vehicle subsidies might have in tackling emissions from surface transport – currently the highest emitting sector.
They are also likely to ask about the potential of carbon capture techniques, viewed as inherently challenging and high risk by the National Audit Office and Public Accounts Committee.
MPs will also ask witnesses for their views on the UK’s progress in adapting to climate change, given that the CCC has consistently found UK adaptation lacking. They may ask what difference the investment made in June’s Spending Review towards flood defences and sustainable farming will make.