Britain’s climate advisers, the Committee on Climate Change (CCC), have called on the government to commit to a more ambitious greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 81% by 2035. This recommendation comes ahead of the new Labour government’s first budget announcement in 14 years, expected next week.
The proposed target surpasses the current goal of a 78% reduction by 2035 compared to 1990 levels, excluding international aviation and shipping emissions. The CCC believes that adopting the steeper target would make a credible contribution towards limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
“With climate damages already felt around the world, targeting an 81% emissions reduction by 2035 sets the right level of ambition,” said Piers Forster, interim chair of the CCC. “Our analysis shows this can be achieved in a way that benefits jobs and the economy, provided we hit the country’s 2030 target – set in line with the CCC’s advice in 2020.”
The government is required to set out an updated climate plan and targets for 2035 before a United Nations deadline in February 2025. The CCC’s advice will also contribute to its seventh carbon budget plan covering the years 2038 to 2042, scheduled for publication in February next year.
Earlier in July, the CCC warned that Britain might miss its 2030 emissions reduction target and is off track to meet the longer-term goal of net zero emissions by mid-century. The increased ambition recommended by the CCC aims to steer the country back on course and demonstrate leadership in global climate efforts.
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Britain's climate advisers urge steeper emissions cut target for 2035
cgtn.com
