{"id":634,"date":"2021-01-15T09:39:53","date_gmt":"2021-01-15T09:39:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.jointpublicissues.org.uk\/?p=9138"},"modified":"2021-01-15T09:39:53","modified_gmt":"2021-01-15T09:39:53","slug":"uk-climate-commitments-where-are-we-up-to","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/standrewsurcrustington.org.uk\/?p=634","title":{"rendered":"UK climate commitments: where are we up to?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Where are we at with
\nthe UK\u2019s climate commitments? <\/strong><\/h3>\n

It is hard to predict what 2021 will be shaped by, but it is
\nundoubtable that the impact of COP26 at the end of this year will be
\nsignificant. The very present realities of the climate crisis remain stark \u2013
\nthe impact of Fiji\u2019s latest cyclone in December a clear indicator. Towards the
\nend of last year, we saw the UK Government make various announcements regarding
\ntheir commitments to climate action, at a time when they should have been
\nchairing a review of the Paris Agreement during the original COP26 dates. So,
\nwhere are we up to with the UK\u2019s commitments to climate action? Here are some
\nof the headlines. <\/p>\n

UK Nationally
\nDetermined Contribution increased to at least 68% of carbon emissions cut by
\n2030<\/strong> <\/h3>\n

The UK Government announced their increased target in
\nDecember, raising their goal for 2030 to a 68% reduction on 1990 levels, from
\ntheir previous target on 57%. This target, following advice from the Committee
\non Climate Change (CCC)*, is a significant increase, and is in line with the
\nGovernment\u2019s targets to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. It is the
\ntoughest target set by any major economy so far.<\/p>\n

The Government also took important action at their December 2020
\nsummit by denying a platform to countries that have not set significant
\ntargets, including Brazil, Australia, Russia and Indonesia. Ahead of 2021\u2019s
\nCOP26 summit, this sent clear signals about expectations. <\/p>\n

The target could have gone further, with research by
\nImperial College London and WWF
\nsuggesting a cut of 72% was economically viable<\/a>. It is also important to
\nremember that whilst the UK Government has set these targets, they are yet
\nto fully meet the previous targets on the course to reach net-zero by 2050.<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

The UK won\u2019t use
\ncarbon credits to reach their net-zero targets <\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Government also agreed to abide by the advice of the CCC
\nto achieve the target without using \u2018offsets\u2019. \u2018Offsets\u2019, or carbon credits,
\nrepresent the amount of carbon dioxide reduced by measures taken, such as replacing
\nfossil fuels with renewable electricity or reforestation overseas. They are
\noften used to balance out the remaining carbon emissions produced when
\nreductions do not meet targets.<\/p>\n

This is a significant commitment from the Government and a
\nwin for our Churches and other campaigners, who feared that the government
\nwould lean heavily on offsets in reaching their target rather than achieving a
\n\u2018true\u2019 net-zero, jeopardising long term impact. <\/p>\n

The target won\u2019t
\ninclude aviation and shipping <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Emissions from aviation and shipping have not been included
\nin the UK\u2019s updated commitments. These areas have historically been omitted
\nfrom climate negotiations due to their complicated nature. However, they
\nrepresent large and increasing proportions of UK emissions, and for real
\nprogress to be made must be included and measured on our journey to net-zero.<\/p>\n

The Government
\ncommitted to stop funding overseas fossil fuel projects<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Government also made the significant commitment to end
\nfinancing for oil and gas projects overseas. The measure means that the
\nfunding, mostly provided through UK Export Finance, will be cut significantly
\nsometime this year. The Government have come under criticism in the past for a
\nbias towards funding fossil fuel projects, primarily in developing countries.<\/p>\n

The government did not set out a target date for this action and there is still a window for new projects to be rushed through before the end of the consultation period on 8th<\/sup> February.<\/p>\n

The 10 point plan for a green industrial revolution<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
\n

Before the announcement of the UK\u2019s NDCs, the Government outlined their \u201810 point plan for a green industrial revolution\u2019<\/a>, a self-declared plan for \u201cBuilding back better, supporting green jobs, and accelerating our path to net zero\u201d. The plan proposes to create and support up to 250,000 British jobs in efforts to propel green industry, including in energy, transport, nature and innovative technologies. Significant markers included wind, hydrogen and nuclear power investment; bringing the end of sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans forward by 10 years to 2030; a commitment to plant 30,000 hectares of trees every year, and a focus on making the City of London the global centre of green finance. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

However, the plan contained a concerning reliance on new
\ntechnologies, particularly in carbon capture and storage, which are at present
\nundefined and still under development. The focus on hydrogen power also raised
\nsome concerns from campaigners, due to the environmental viability of carbon
\nfuel production and use.<\/p>\n

These announcements represent significant movement from the
\nUK Government on plans to reach net-zero and respond to the climate crisis.
\nHowever, there is still a way to go to create a just and fair plan for climate
\njustice, which would enable everyone globally to flourish. As we look forward
\nto this crucial year in the lead up to COP26, there are a few key things to
\nremember: <\/p>\n