Our response to the Climate Change Committee’s 2022 progress report

The Climate Change Committee (CCC) has today (29 June) published its annual progress report on reducing emissions in the UK. The report considers the progress of the UK’s major sectors and whether they are decarbonising at the required levels to reach net zero by 2050. 

Overall, the CCC says that policy ambition has moved substantially, with the publication of the UK’s Net Zero Strategy, and there have been bright spots in areas such as electric vehicles and the growth of renewable electricity.

However, major policy gaps still remain; the CCC has singled out the UK’s housing stock as a source of emissions that will derail net zero progress without policy interventions soon.

The report has made it clear that greater emphasis and focus must now be on delivery.

Commenting on the report, Stew Horne, head of policy at Energy Saving Trust, said: “As time is running out to prevent runaway climate change, it is alarming that this report has found that the UK is currently off-track from implementing the changes needed to meet its net zero targets. 

“In particular, the conclusions on progress towards improving home energy efficiency are disappointing but not a surprise. This must be a higher priority and significant policy gaps must be addressed to help cut household energy bills and decarbonise our homes. To help this happen, we agree with the report’s call for a comprehensive advice service, providing tailored support to maximise public engagement and uptake of available assistance to make low carbon choices.  

“More progress has been made in transport, where it is motivating and rewarding to see the charging market is maturing as adoption of electric vehicles grows in line with the low carbon transport agenda. It is important that this progress continues.  

“The UK has some of the most ambitious climate pledges of any major economy, yet government needs to show sustained leadership by setting out the detailed delivery plans for how we get to a net zero future. Energy Saving Trust welcomes the comprehensive, clear actions laid out by the Climate Change Committee and we urge government to take note and match its ambition with clear implementation strategies.”

Read the full CCC report here.