Published 19 August 2020
Last updated 19 May 2023 — See all updates
Achieving net zero carbon
emissions through a whole systems approach: CST
letter
Achieving net zero carbon
emissions through a whole systems approach: CST
report
Achieving net zero carbon
emissions through a whole systems approach: Prime Minister's
response
Letter to Secretary of
State for Energy Security and Net Zero (HTML)
Letter to Secretary of State for
Energy Security and Net Zero (PDF)
Letter from Secretary of
State for Energy Security and Net Zero (HTML)
Letter from Secretary of State
for Energy Security and Net Zero (PDF)
Details
In June 2019, the UK became the first major country to legislate
for a net-zero target for carbon emissions by 2050. Government
needs to shape policies and regulations to create a market
environment that increases consumer and business demand for
low-carbon solutions and encourages sustainable private sector
investment decisions. Policies across all areas of government
interact to influence the transition of the whole economy towards
net zero.
In a letter to the Prime Minister sent in January 2020, the
Council for Science and Technology (CST) explores how a
systems approach might be used to inform government thinking and
proposes 9 recommendations focused on 3 areas:
- developing the analytical capability, flow of information,
and reporting needed to inform decisions
- maximising the contribution of technology, mobilise financial
systems and galvanise international collaboration
- strengthening the institutions, governance frameworks and
leadership structures needed across central government to
galvanise action to achieve net-zero
In September 2020, the council provided further advice to the Minister for
Business, Energy and Clean Growth, on retrofitting to decarbonise
homes and developing a hydrogen economy.
In February 2023, CST wrote to the
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero to offer the
Council’s support for delivering the government’s Net Zero
ambitions. The letter highlighted the need for an operational
group of system experts and engineers in government at the heart
of net zero policy and implementation.
