Government Inaction Threatens UK’s Net Zero Climate Goals

The UK needs to reduce emissions by 45% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050, to stay in line with the Paris Agreement. We welcomed Wera Hobhouse to our National Climate Change Conference 2023. Wera Hobhouse is the Liberal Democrat MP for Bath and was Vice Chair of the Climate Change APPG. This keynote highlights her viewpoint on the UK’s alarmingly slow response and the need for urgent action. Wera suggests that establishing a Net Zero Delivery Authority could be a vital step in ensuring that climate policies are effectively implemented and that the UK meets its climate targets in a timely manner. The full presentation can be watched above, with a summary of her talk below.

The climate emergency is one of the greatest threats we face today. Despite this, the current government is not taking the necessary actions to address it adequately. This article summarises a keynote speech highlighting the political viewpoint on the UK’s climate policy and the urgent need for a more robust response.

The Current Climate Crisis

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that we are on a “highway to climate hell with a foot still on the accelerator”. Abnormal temperatures worldwide contribute to millions of deaths annually. Since 1950, the number of global floods has increased fifteenfold, and wildfires have risen sevenfold​ (Copernicus ESD)​​ (Met Office)​. Recent years have seen droughts and famines in East Africa, floods in Pakistan, and unprecedented heat waves in the UK.

Government’s Inadequate Response

From a political perspective, the government’s response to the climate emergency has been inadequate. There is a lack of a clear vision and fragmented policy decisions, which are insufficient to meet the critical climate targets. The establishment of a Net Zero Delivery Authority could be a crucial step towards reversing this trend.

The Fossil Fuel Lobby Influence

The influence of the fossil fuel lobby at COP 27 was significant, with over 600 lobbyists present, outnumbering any national delegation except one. This influence has resulted in continued support for fossil fuel projects, such as the Rosebank oil field, which will produce significant CO2 emissions and will not solve the energy crisis as most of its reserves will be exported​ (Copernicus ESD)​.

Financial Incentives for Fossil Fuels

The government continues to provide substantial financial incentives to the fossil fuel industry. Between 2016 and 2020, £13.6 billion was given to oil and gas giants, with £10 billion marked as tax relief for new exploration and production​ (Copernicus ESD)​. This is in stark contrast to the lack of similar incentives for low-carbon electricity generators.

Lack of Political Will

The Prime Minister’s support for climate action has been lukewarm, with climate sceptics holding ministerial roles and significant cuts to climate funding. This lack of commitment has led to a failure to meet key climate targets and has jeopardised the UK’s net zero pathway​ (Copernicus ESD)​​ (Met Office)​.

Regional Inequalities and Infrastructure Gaps

There are significant regional inequalities in the UK’s progress towards net zero. For example, two-thirds of the EV charging points scheduled to be built next year will be installed in London, which already has a higher average of chargers per 100,000 people than the rest of the UK. Meanwhile, areas like Greater Manchester have far fewer chargers despite higher demand for electric vehicles​ (Copernicus ESD)​.

Agriculture and Grid Infrastructure

Agriculture has been consistently neglected in the government’s climate strategy. The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) has criticised the government’s weak targets and lack of ambition in this sector​ ​. Additionally, inadequate grid infrastructure is hindering the development of renewable energy sources. The transmission queue for new generation and interconnector schemes is massive, and significant investment is required to expand the grid​ (Copernicus ESD)​​ (Met Office)​.

The Need for a Net Zero Delivery Authority

A Net Zero Delivery Authority, as proposed, could ensure coordinated and efficient implementation of climate policies. This public body would operate at arm’s length from the government, monitoring and accelerating the delivery of key strategies and ensuring local and national levels work together effectively.

The Call for Establishing a Net Zero Delivery Authority

The UK’s progress towards net zero is alarmingly slow, and the government’s fragmented and insufficient response is a significant part of the problem. Establishing a Net Zero Delivery Authority could be a vital step in ensuring that climate policies are effectively implemented and that the UK meets its climate targets in a timely manner. Urgent and coordinated action is required to address the climate crisis and to safeguard our future.

This was presented at our National Climate Change Conference 2023. To access more of the latest insights like this, see our latest environmental event below.

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