UK’s Ambitious Climate Target Puts it Firmly on Path to Net Zero Emissions by 2050

Environmental Defense Fund Europe welcomes the United Kingdom’s announcement of its climate commitment under the Paris Agreement to reduce its emissions by at least 68% by 2030 relative to 1990 levels. The target was released in advance of the European Council meeting next week when it is expected that the EU will confirm its 2030 target.

“The UK’s ambitious new target puts the UK firmly on the path to reaching its goal of net zero emissions by 2050.

“The target to reduce emissions by at least 68% is what is needed from the host of next year’s pivotal climate talks at COP 26 in Glasgow, and from the president of the G7 – two critical arenas where the UK’s leadership will be instrumental to aggressive international climate action.

“The UK must now begin the hard work required to implement the new target. The UK has signaled that it plans to reach this target domestically – without using offsets – so we look forward to seeing a detailed plan. Achieving this target will potentially be more complex and expensive without access to the EU’s Emission Trading System.”

• Jill Duggan, Executive Director of Environmental Defense Fund Europe