Energy Saving Trust’s response to UK Government’s new climate target

Today (Friday 4 December), UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a new target to reduce the UK’s emissions by at least 68% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.

The new target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is one of the highest in the world and recognises the need to go further to address the climate emergency.

The announcement comes ahead of the Climate Ambition Summit on 12 December, which will coincide with the fifth anniversary of the Paris Climate Agreement. The summit will call on other countries to submit ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) or similar climate action plans.

Mike Thornton, Chief Executive, Energy Saving Trust, commented: “Today’s bold target announcement to align action this decade to the net zero goal is one that we strongly support. We applaud the interim target of cutting carbon emissions by at least 68% by 2030. Since last year’s commitment by government to net zero by 2050, Energy Saving Trust has been calling for acceleration on the ambitions around improving home energy efficiency.

“We look forward to continuing to work with government in the development of a framework that will support homeowners in making their homes more energy efficient and warmer, reducing carbon emissions and energy bills.”

The new target is in line with the recommendation made by the independent Climate Change Committee, which offers advice to government on emissions targets.

Find out more about the new climate target.