Chancellor Sajid Javid has launched a review that will determine how the UK will end its contribution to climate change.
The Net Zero Review, the first of its kind, will assess how the UK can maximise economic growth opportunities from its transformation to a green economy.
At its heart is a priority to ensure a “fair balance” of contributions from all those that will benefit, including considering how to reduce costs for low income households.
This review is a vital next step in delivering that commitment, ensuring that we can end our contribution to global warming, while supporting growth and balancing costs, to avoid placing unfair burdens on families or businesses
This review is being called “a major step” towards the UK achieving net zero emissions by 2050, after becoming the world’s first major economy to legislate to do so earlier this year.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sajid Javid, said: “The UK is leading the way on tackling climate change as the first major economy to legislate for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. We must all play a part in protecting the planet for future generations.
“This review is a vital next step in delivering that commitment, ensuring that we can end our contribution to global warming, while supporting growth and balancing costs, to avoid placing unfair burdens on families or businesses.”
Cutting emissions
The review will also consider how to ensure we can cut our emissions without seeing them exported elsewhere. “Everyone will have an important role in making the transition successful,” the Treasury says.
The Treasury will consult widely, drawing on evidence from experts, as well as those that will be impacted.
A final report will be published in Autumn 2020, ahead of the UK hosting the UN climate change conference in Glasgow in November next year.
Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, Simon Clarke said: “I have championed the environment throughout my life and political career so its humbling to launch this unprecedented review into how we end the UK’s contribution to climate change.
“Until recently people said that Net Zero was impossible, but this work is a giant step towards making it happen, enabling us to set out a roadmap for an economy that is cleaner, more efficient, and works for everyone, while preserving our planet.”
Terms of reference for the Net Zero Review have been published.