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The Prime Minister promised to keep working towards a goal of net zero emissions by 2050, meaning balancing the amount of greenhouse gases we make with the amount we remove from the atmosphere. This is supposed to be done practically and sensibly that won’t cost British families too much money but still meets our international promises.
The UK has set itself tough targets to cut carbon emissions. By 2030, we want to reduce emissions by 68% compared to 1990 levels. We’re the only big country aiming for a 78% reduction by 2035. So far, we’ve done better than other big economies like Germany, France, and the US in cutting emissions.
Because we’ve already made good progress, reaching our goals for 2030 and 2035 won’t hurt British people too much financially, especially since the UK’s share of global emissions is very small.
Some plans we had before aren’t necessary anymore because we’re doing well. But the Prime Minister says we can only achieve net zero if the public keeps supporting the plan.
Even with these changes, the UK will still have the toughest targets for cutting emissions in the world.
Here are some of the new plans:
- We’ll delay the ban on selling new petrol and diesel cars until 2035. That way, families can wait for prices of electric cars to drop if they want to.
- We’ll also postpone the ban on installing certain types of boilers in homes until 2035. This will give people more time to save up for upgrades.
- Some households won’t have to switch to low-carbon heating if it’s too expensive or difficult. This should help about one-fifth of homes, especially those not connected to the main gas network.
- Landlords won’t be forced to make their properties more energy-efficient, but we’ll still encourage people to do it if they can.
- We’ll give more money to households to help them replace gas boilers with greener alternatives.
- Some ideas, like making people share cars or eat less meat, won’t be made into laws. We won’t try to control how people live their lives.
These changes won’t stop us from meeting our emissions targets or our promises to other countries.
| The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “This country is proud to be a world leader in reaching Net Zero by 2050. But we simply won’t achieve it unless we change.” “We’ll now have a more pragmatic, proportionate, and realistic approach that eases the burdens on families.” “All while doubling down on the new green industries of the future. In a democracy, that’s the only realistic path to Net Zero.” “We are going to change the way our politics works. We are going to make different decisions. We will not take the easy way out.” “There will be resistance – and we will meet it. Because I am determined to change our country and build a better future for our children. Nothing less is acceptable.” |
The Prime Minister also wants Parliament to check all future plans related to cutting emissions. This means MPs will have to make sure the plans are fair and make sense.
To help reach our goal of net zero, the Prime Minister announced:
- A plan showing where energy infrastructure will be built, so companies know where they can build and communities can have a say.
- A faster way for big energy projects to get approval, so they can be built quicker.
- Energy projects that are ready to go will be connected to the grid first, so they can start working sooner.
- A new program to support scientists and engineers to come up with new green technologies.
The Chancellor and Energy Security Secretary will announce more changes soon.
