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Climate change: Government's own advisers say it is too slow at delivering on climate promises
Image source, Getty Images
The government is being too slow at delivering on climate promises, according to its own advisors.
The Climate Change Committee (CCC) say the government is only delivering a fifth of its pledges on climate change.
They believe more needs to be done to cut the UK's greenhouse gas emissions and they must act quickly.
The CCC is an independent group that advises the government on climate change issues.
Image source, Getty Images
The committee has released two reports which say that time is running out and it is "absolutely critical" that a new strategy is published before the COP26 climate summit, which is due to be held in Glasgow in November.
The strategy must have clear policy plans which are backed by the government. They add it must go along with a commitment to "prepare the country for the serious climate risks facing the UK."
How are the government failing?
Advisors warn that more action is needed to cut the UK's greenhouse gas emissions and protect the climate.
The CCC say that the government set the right targets but that there isn't yet a detailed plan in place which is backed by evidence.
The committee think that more needs to be done to get the public involved too, to help make these changes.
What do the CCC recommend?
Image source, Getty Images
The CCC say there is still time to make "comprehensive plans and demonstrate leadership at home and to a global audience."
In order to cut back on emissions and protect the climate they have made 200 recommendations to the government which include:
- Cut back on eating meat and dairy
- Stop people flying so often
- Encourage people to drive electric cars
They also believe that new buildings should be amended so that every development is assessed against efforts to cut greenhouses gas emission to zero overall, known as net zero, by 2050.
A report from the committee claims the current proposed planning bill misses the chance to make sure developments and infrastructure are in line with the net zero goal.
Lord Deben, Chairman of the Climate Change Committee, said Cumbria County Council had no guidance on what it should take into account on climate when assessing a new coal mine in the county, a proposal which has caused concern from many people and will now be judged by the government before it goes ahead.
Lord Deben added: "We are in the decisive decade for tackling climate change. The government must get real on delivery. Global Britain has to prove that it can lead a global change in how we treat our planet."
What do the government say?
Image source, Cop26
A government spokesman said: "Any suggestion we have been slow to deliver climate action is widely off the mark. Over the past three decades, we have driven down emissions by 44% - the fastest reduction of any G7 country.
"We have set some of the most ambitious targets in the world for the future.
"In recent months, we've made clear with record investment in wind power, a new UK Emissions Trading Scheme, 拢5.2bn investment in flood and sea defences, clear plans to decarbonise heavy industry and North Sea oil, and businesses pledging to become net zero by 2050 or earlier.
"Our strategies this year will set out more of the very policies the Climate Change Committee is calling for as we redouble our efforts to end the UK's contribution to climate change."