30 years of successfully reducing UK emissions while simultaneously growing our economy
500% increase in the amount of renewable capacity connected to the grid from 2009 to 2020
72% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation between 1990-2019
As we tackle climate change, we will have the interests of consumers at the front of our mind, now and for future generations.
We are committed to ensuring that the cost of the transition to net zero is fair and affordable. We have consistently balanced spending on measures that decarbonise the energy system with the need to help consumers save money on their bills. Thanks to early investment, many low-carbon technologies are now cheaper than their fossil fuel counterparts.
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Heathrow Airport: Supreme Court gives go-ahead for third runway, despite climate campaigns
The Supreme Court has decided to allow the Heathrow Airport expansion, despite the fact that the Court of Appeal ruled it unlawful on climate grounds earlier this year.
Pictured: An artist s impression of the expanded airport from above
One of the lawyers fighting against the expansion, Tim Crosland of Plan B Earth, released a statement on Twitter late on Tuesday (15 December) revealing the decision. He broke the Supreme Court’s embargo on the decision, set for this morning (16 December) calling his decision to do so “an act of civil disobedience”.
Local authorities need greater clarity and commitment from government to make our homes greener
The UK government’s recently launched National Infrastructure Strategy neglected to prioritise the retrofitting of our homes – a task which is of key concern to local authorities and a vital component of the UK’s net zero ambitions.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has highlighted the importance of a green recovery from COVID-19 and recent policy announcements such as the Green Homes Grant, the ten point plan for a green industrial revolution and revised aim of cutting carbon emissions by 68% by 2030 are significant.
However, central government must now give greater policy commitment and clarity to local authorities around making our homes greener, to ensure that the pace and scale of change meets the needs for a resilient and sustainable future.
Government ponders 120GW of solar to help reach net-zero
On the same day that the Energy White Paper was unveiled, the Government also launched a new consultation on how financing and deployment of renewable technologies can accelerate action towards net-zero, with up to 120GW of solar capacity mooted as a means to quadruple green energy nationally.
Under some scenarios being explored by the Government, solar PV capacity could reach between 80-120GW of capacity
The Government has launched a consultation to gain views on how renewables deployment can be accelerated in the UK. The call for evidence, which runs until 22 February, notes that renewables generation could see total capacity quadruple by 2050.