UK's Leadership on Climate Change at Risk

 The UK has lost its position as a global leader in tackling climate change and is described as being at serious risk of failing to meet legally-binding emissions targets, based on a report by the Climate Change Committee (CCC). The UK government is criticized for backtracking on commitments to phase out fossil fuels for consenting to a new coal mine and supporting new oil and gas production in the North Sea. Ministers’ slow response to climate policies by the US and EU, as well as the increase in gas prices resulting from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, is also identified as insufficient. Former CCC chair, John Gummer, said he is concerned that ministers are hesitant to lead the UK in attaining its net zero commitments.

UK greenhouse gas emissions have already fallen by 46% from 1990 levels, according to the CCC. However, the country committed to reducing that figure further to 68% by 2030 during COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, and this would require annual emissions reductions outside the electricity supply sector to quadruple, according to the CCC. A long-term strategy is recommended for decarbonizing the electricity supply by 2035. The CCC also called for ideally banning the sale of new hybrid, petrol and diesel cars by 2030. The UK is required to withdraw from the controversial Energy Charter Treaty, the CCC said, which has been used by fossil fuel firms to sue governments concerning their climate action plans.

Despite criticisms, the UK’s government insists that the country is still a proud world leader given its achievements on net zero targets to date, and the level of investment related to renewable energy generation, accounting for 40% of the UK's total electricity generation. The government also highlighted that it set up a dedicated department focused on delivering net zero and energy security. The CCC report is seen as a significant challenge to the UK government's national policy priorities. The United Nations Cop26 conference will be held in November and the UK government is expected to reveal an updated policy approach to tackle climate change.