The UK today became the first major economy in the world to pass
laws to end its contribution to global warming by 2050.
The target will require the UK to bring all greenhouse gas
emissions to net zero by 2050, compared with the previous target
of at least 80% reduction from 1990 levels.
The UK has already reduced emissions by 42% while growing the
economy by 72% and has put clean growth at the heart of our
modern Industrial Strategy.
This could see the number of “green collar jobs” grow to 2
million and the value of exports from the low carbon economy grow
to £170 billion a year by 2030.
Energy and Clean Growth Minister said:
The UK kick-started the Industrial Revolution, which was
responsible for economic growth across the globe but also for
increasing emissions.
Today we’re leading the world yet again in becoming the first
major economy to pass new laws to reduce emissions to net zero
by 2050 while remaining committed to growing the economy -
putting clean growth at the heart of our modern Industrial
Strategy.
We’re pioneering the way for other countries to follow in our
footsteps driving prosperity by seizing the economic
opportunities of becoming a greener economy.
The UK’s 2050 net zero target — one of the most ambitious in the
world — was recommended by the Committee on Climate Change, the
UK’s independent climate advisory body. Net zero means any
emissions would be balanced by schemes to offset an equivalent
amount of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, such as planting
trees or using technology like carbon capture and storage
The government is hosting Green GB Week on 4 November to
encourage all corners of the country and sectors of society to
play their part in meeting these ambitious targets.
For more information about what the government is doing to tackle
climate change, please visit the Green GB Week website.
