Date posted: 08.07.19

The UK is the first major economy to make it law to cut greenhouse gas emissions to “Net Zero” by 2050.

This will mean an end to heating of homes with traditional gas boilers, and a move towards more green electricity and a change from fossil fuel cars to electric vehicles, and other zero emission “modes” of transport such as walking and cycling. 

“The UK kick-started the Industrial Revolution, which was responsible for economic growth across the globe but also for increasing emissions.”

Energy and Clean Growth Minister  – Chris Skidmore

Chris Skidmore has also outlined:
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  • The UK kick-started the Industrial Revolution, which was responsible for economic growth across the globe but also for increasing emissions.
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  • Today we’re leading the world yet again in becoming the first major economy to pass new laws to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050 while remaining committed to growing the economy – putting clean growth at the heart of our modern Industrial Strategy.
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  • We’re pioneering the way for other countries to follow in our footsteps driving prosperity by seizing the economic opportunities of becoming a greener economy.

Net Zero – means any emissions would need to be balanced by schemes such as planting trees or using technology like carbon capture and storage.

This approach essentially balances the levels of gas in the atmosphere. 

A while back it was recommended by the CCC (Committee on Climate Change) that new legal targets should be bought in soon to help ramp up the actions of cutting emissions. This new law is a positive step to ensure the UK reaches this ambitious target. 

Since this new law, the EAC (Environment Audit Committee) has launched an inquiry to see if the government is ready to lead by example on this net zero emissions targets.

The government is hosting Green BG week on 4th November to help encourage all areas of the UK and all sectors of society to do their park in meeting the Net Zero targets. 

What is Green GB & NI Week?

Green GB and NI Week will run from 4th to 8th November. This is a week of events and various activities where the government, businesses and academic institutions join forces and look at how clean growth will change our futures, and how we can all contribute to taking action on climate change. 

The week is themed around how different parts of life in the UK will evolve, for example having cleaner, warmer buildings, cleaner modes of transport, such as electric vehicles, and reducing our waste with new green technologies. 

 

 

 

 

 

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