The UK government will today, 12 June, bring forward legislation to eradicate its net contribution to climate change by 2050, the UK’s Prime Minister Theresa May said.
The statutory instrument to implement this will amend the Climate Change Act 2008.
Prime Minister May will also meet young science and engineering students to discuss the new target, which is based on advice from independent experts: the Committee on Climate Change.
This legislation will mean that the UK is on track to become the first G7 country to legislate for net zero emissions, with other major economies expected to follow suit, which is seen as imperative. For that reason, the UK will conduct a further assessment within five years to confirm that other countries are taking similarly ambitious action, multiplying the effect of the UK’s lead and ensuring that UK industries do not face unfair competition.
”As the first country to legislate for long-term climate targets, we can be truly proud of our record in tackling climate change. We have made huge progress in growing our economy and the jobs market while slashing emissions,” Prime Minister May said.
”Now is the time to go further and faster to safeguard the environment for our children. This country led the world in innovation during the Industrial Revolution, and now we must lead the world to a cleaner, greener form of growth. Standing by is not an option. Reaching net zero by 2050 is an ambitious target, but it is crucial that we achieve it to ensure we protect our planet for future generations.”