UK Government’s ambitious 81% carbon emission reduction target, but . . . .

Ashden welcomes UK Government’s ambitious 81% carbon emission reduction target, but highlights need for fairness and a fully-fledged plan

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s presence at COP 29 in Baku and commitment to this updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) is exactly the sort of leadership the world is crying out for on climate. With the UK’s green economy growing 9% in 2023 while the wider economy stagnated, it is clear that strong climate ambition drives innovation, job creation, and prosperity. UK businesses and civil society have long called for such leadership to ensure a just and sustainable transition.

However, as recent global events have underscored, public trust and fairness are critical to sustaining momentum for ambitious climate action. Everyday people must see and feel the fairness of these changes. It is not enough to set bold targets; we must ensure the journey to achieve them is equitable, with tangible improvements in livelihoods, jobs, and community resilience across the country.

Dr Ashok Sinha, CEO of Ashden who is attending COP29, said:

“At a time when there are headwinds against government action to avert catastrophic climate change in both the US and EU, the announcement by the UK of strong new NDC 3.0 at COP29 – a year ahead of time – is the kind of climate diplomacy the world needs. Equally importantly, it sets the agenda at home for realising the huge social and economic gains that a fair transition to a zero carbon economy will bring.

“But now the even harder work begins. Decarbonising the grid and land transport is comparatively easy compared to capturing the huge potential of local and community renewables and decarbonising heat in our buildings, place by place, dwelling by dwelling. That will require a new approach by government based on supporting bespoke local action, everywhere.

“Ashden works with enterprises and organisations that are demonstrating just the kinds of technical, financial, training and community engagement innovations we will need to become the norm. For these innovators to succeed, government will need to trust cities, towns and communities, clear the policy blockages they face and support them to access the finance they need to succeed. That’s what we now expect to see, following today’s hugely welcome announcement.”

Ashden Award winners show how inclusive, people-focused climate solutions make a difference. B4Box in Manchester trains disadvantaged individuals in green construction skills, creating jobs while reducing emissions through home retrofitting. Energise Barnsley empowers social housing tenants with solar panels and energy storage, cutting energy costs and carbon while boosting energy independence.

The reality is stark: the UK is not currently on track to meet its existing 68% by 2030 NDC target. Increased action is an absolute imperative. To succeed, the government must deliver a comprehensive and well-resourced plan to meet these new targets. The UK’s upcoming Carbon Budget Delivery Plan, due in early 2025, must clearly outline how international and national targets will be delivered within an ambitious, fast-paced, and inclusive policy framework.

This framework must prioritise the needs of people and communities, particularly those most affected by the transition.

Ashden stands ready to support ambitious action and urges the UK Government to make the vision of a fair, green transition a reality for all.