Thread by @theCCCuk

Today the CCC advises the UK should set a Net-Zero emissions target for 2050, including emissions from aviation and shipping.

This stops the UK’s contribution to global warming and is achievable at low cost through UK domestic effort.

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#NetZeroUK

In October 2018 the Governments of the UK, Scotland and Wales asked the CCC to consider the UK’s long-term emission targets in light of the Paris Agreement and the IPCC special report on 1.5°C assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/upl…

To keep temperature rise to 1.5°C global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions need to fall to zero by 2070 - and CO₂ needs to get to zero around 2050.

A UK net-zero GHG target for 2050 is well ahead of this - recognising the UK’s capability and responsibility to lead.

The UK is showing what can be done. UK emissions per person have halved since 1990 and are now at the global average.

Now is a key time for climate leadership. A UK net-zero target would be genuinely world-leading and help support raising international ambition ahead of the UN climate summit in September.

We have developed new scenarios for deep UK emissions reduction to 2050, informed by 10 new research projects, three expert advisory groups, studies including by @IPCC_CH @royalsociety @ETC_energy, and 130 responses to our Call for Evidence

The UK can get to net-zero emissions by 2050 by using known technologies alongside improvements to quality of life

The net-zero 2050 goal can be delivered at a cost that Parliament has already accepted

60% of the emissions reduction in our scenarios involve some societal or behavioural changes – the public will need to be engaged in the challenge

An earlier date than 2050 should not be set at this stage. Some sectors could reach net-zero earlier, but for most 2050 appears to be the earliest credible date, avoiding the need for early capital scrappage or punitive policies.

Scotland and Wales have different capabilities compared to the UK as a whole. Scotland has more potential for emissions removal. Wales has less scope for CO₂ storage & more hard-to-reduce agriculture emissions.

Reflecting their respective capabilities, Scotland can credibly set a 2045 net-zero target & Wales should set a 95% reduction target compared to 1990. These are fair contributions to the UK target & Paris Agreement.

A net-zero target is only credible if policy ramps up significantly across all levels of government. Challenges that have not been confronted must now be addressed (e.g. for carbon capture & storage, heating, industry, HGVs, aviation, agriculture, emission removals).

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a necessity, not an option, for reaching net-zero emissions

Decisions will need to be made about the balance between electrification and hydrogen in decarbonising buildings, and the implications for gas networks

Costs of key technologies (offshore wind, batteries) have fallen rapidly. Some of the changes, like decarbonising transport, will save money compared to the high-carbon alternatives. They will also help clean up our air and make our streets quieter.

Overall costs are manageable, but must be fairly distributed - HM Treasury should undertake a review of how the transition will be funded & where costs will fall.

People and households can take actions to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to the UK and global goals

The changes required are substantial but the foundations are already in place: now is the right time to set a net-zero target and stop the UK’s contribution to global warming

Read the report in (much!) more detail on our website at theccc.org.uk/publication/ne… (20/20) #NetZeroUK