The UK Government says its climate change curbs are insufficient, despite delivering the most ambitious targets in the world. Almost half of the 61 climate risks the UK faces are not yet met by the UK Government. But the action of the Greenpeace UK policy director Dr Doug Parr makes the case for more action: Even a modest rise in global temperatures could have profound consequences. In this report, the Government assesses its progress and concludes that more needs to be done across half of its 61 identified climate risks.
The report also warns that the UK Government is not doing enough to prevent the worst effects of climate change. The government’s scientists warned that global warming could reach four degrees, but the UK Government says it is already investing in measures to cope with it. The government continues to work on a Green Finance Strategy to make sure money goes to green projects. However, critics claim the government has not done enough to tackle the climate crisis. The chancellor did not mention climate change at all in his Budget speech.
At the Climate Change Committee meeting, ministers said the UK is not doing enough to tackle climate change. While the UK has surpassed its legally-binding carbon-cutting targets, it is still well behind its Paris Climate Deal commitments. In addition, the government has failed to engage the public on its actions. It should also implement a ‘net-zero’ test to assess the effectiveness of policies. Furthermore, it should amend its Planning Bill to ensure new developments are built with low emissions and are prepared for a rising temperature.
The UK is failing to tackle climate change and should take action to combat it. The government’s lack of action on climate change is hindering its progress towards the goal of a net zero emission country by 2050. Moreover, it is far behind its target for meeting the Paris Agreement. But it has announced additional funding to help the low-income nations reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. But the money is not enough to meet its commitments and to implement the necessary changes.
According to the report, the UK Government should implement the legally-binding 2030 targets. This will cost less than one percent of the country’s GDP annually. The government must also consider the costs and benefits of carbon reduction measures in the next five years. Its failure to reduce carbon emissions will result in lower global GDP. If the UK does not take action, its climate leadership is threatened. A few countries in the G20 have agreed to increase their targets and pay off their debts.
The UK Government says its 2030 NDC is “inadequate” because it fails to include any further carbon offsets. The CCC has identified 34 areas that pose a risk due to climate change. In addition to these, the report identifies eight other areas of risks, including the impact of power cuts. It further calls for the UK to step up its efforts on its own and make a more effective carbon reduction strategy.
