Energy and Clean Growth Minister Claire Perry has written to the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) asking for advice on setting a date for achieving net zero carbon emissions and whether the UK's 2050 target of cutting emissions by at least 80% should be reviewed to achieve on more rapid decarbonisation.

The letter asks the Committee for their views on:

• setting a date for achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions from across the economy, including from transport, industry and agriculture
• whether the 2050 target of cutting emissions by at least 80% relative to 1990 levels to meet international climate targets set out in Paris Agreement needs to be reviewed
• how emissions reductions might be achieved in industry, homes, transport and agriculture
• and the expected costs and benefits in comparison to current targets

The request follows the report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), showing more rapid action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to avoid devastating risks of climate change to health and global prosperity.

Prime Minister Theresa May said:

“On the global stage, the UK is driving forward action on climate change through our work at the UN and with our Commonwealth partners. To ensure that we continue to lead from the front, we are asking the experts to advise on targets for net zero emissions.”

“At home, we are growing an economy that is fit for the future. Over the last year, we’ve generated record levels of solar and offshore wind energy, and just last month I hosted the UK’s first zero-emission vehicles summit. For our first Green GB Week, we are asking businesses and consumers to work with us to consider what more they can do to protect our environment.”

Claire Perry added:

“We’re a world leader when it comes to tackling climate change and cutting carbon intensity, but the evidence is clear – governments, businesses and communities must take further action to confront one of the greatest global challenges we’ve ever faced.

“That’s why we’re asking the independent climate experts of the CCC for advice on a roadmap to a net zero economy, including how emissions might be reduced and the expected costs and benefits of doing so.”

NGOs say time to act is now

Commenting on the request by Government, Gareth Redmond-King, Head of Climate at WWF said Governments can no longer shirk their responsibilities and it was time to act. 

Kate Blagojevic, Head of Energy at Greenpeace UK, said:

"The clear message from UN climate scientists is that the time for delays, excuses, and half measures is over. The longer we wait to get moving, the costlier it will get to stave off dangerous climate change. What our ministers need to do now is roll up their sleeves and turn climate science into climate action.

"There are many things that can be done straight away with existing technologies like restarting onshore wind, keeping a fair deal for solar, building zero-carbon homes and speeding up the switch to electric vehicles. Climate-proofing Britain won't just help avert one of the biggest threats we face, it will also have many other benefits like cleaning up air pollution, creating jobs and giving us better homes.

"We fully support the government tightening up the long term carbon targets, but that’s no excuse for not getting on with the job right now.”