Reacting to updated information regarding the UK’s Nationally Determined Contribution, committing to reduce economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by at least 68% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, Environmental Audit Committee Chairman, Rt Hon Philip Dunne MP, said:
“Reaffirming the UK’s commitment to slashing carbon emissions by at least 68% of 1990 levels by 2030 shows a determination by the new administration to demonstrate continued global climate leadership as it prepares to hand over the COP Presidency in November. The additional detail published today, boosting transparency over how the UK will deliver such an ambitious target, is welcome. But the Government must now turn words into action and demonstrate that it is serious about meeting the challenge. This requires decisive action now.
“Domestically, recent policy announcements on fossil fuel derived energy raise obvious concerns about how the overall target is to be met. Energy security is of course vital: but so is climate security. The Committee is urgently examining the Government’s plans for fossil fuel extraction and maintenance of the UK’s energy security. We will continue to hold Ministers to account to ensure that their policies are consistent with the targets they have set, and are in the best interest of consumers and of the environment.”
