UK Government releases long-awaited net zero strategy

THE UK Government has outlined how it plans to reach net zero by 2050 in its Net Zero Strategy. The plans include the approval of two carbon capture usage and storage (CCUS) industrial clusters, however there is criticism that the strategy still falls short in many areas.

The long-awaited Net Zero Strategy was published just 12 days before the start of COP26. It was released alongside the Heat and Buildings Strategy and the Net Zero Research and Innovation Framework, which sets out key net zero research and innovation priority areas for the UK over the next 5-10 years. Also published on the same day were the Government’s response to the Climate Change Committee’s (CCC) highly critical Progress Report and Independent Assessment of UK Climate Risk published in June, and the Treasury’s Net Zero Review. The Net Zero Review notes that there can be net economic benefits with a well-managed transition to net zero and that there are costs for inaction.

The strategy builds on the Ten Point Plan – published last year – to set out an economy-wide plan for how businesses and consumers will be supported in the transition.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “The UK’s path to ending our contribution to climate change will be paved with well-paid jobs, billions in investment and thriving green industries – powering our green industrial revolution across the country. By moving first and taking bold action, we will build a defining competitive edge in electric vehicles, offshore wind, carbon capture technology and more, whilst supporting people and businesses along the way.

“With the major climate summit COP26 just around the corner, our strategy sets the example for other countries to build back greener too as we lead the charge towards global net zero.”