UK Targets 81% Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2035
Prime Minister Keir Starmer Sets Ambitious Climate Goals at COP29
The United Kingdom aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 81% compared to 1990 levels by the year 2035, as announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Tuesday.
The announcement was made during the COP29 climate conference hosted in Baku, Azerbaijan, where Starmer was one of the few leaders from the G20 nations to attend.
Starmer's declaration marks an increase in ambition from the previous government's 2021 commitment to reduce emissions by 78% within the same period.
During the conference, Starmer emphasized the UK's commitment to maintaining itself as a climate leader and underscored that climate security is integral to national, economic, and global security.
While attending COP29, Starmer committed to not enforcing lifestyle changes on citizens to meet this target.
He highlighted government initiatives like lifting restrictions on new onshore wind projects and stopping new oil and gas exploration licenses in the North Sea.
Additionally, he noted that the UK has closed its last coal power plant, making it the first G7 economy to phase out coal power, focusing instead on renewable energy projects.
Environmental organizations have responded positively, albeit cautiously, to the new target.
Rosie Downes, head of campaigns at Friends of the Earth, acknowledged the move as 'a step in the right direction' but stressed the need for more rapid actions to prevent severe climate impacts.
Downes also pointed out the necessity of a detailed execution plan to meet these targets, noting that the UK is currently not on track to meet its existing 2030 commitments.
The backdrop of the conference included the re-election of US President Donald Trump, known for his climate change skepticism, and fresh warnings that 2024 may break global temperature records.
The announcement was made during the COP29 climate conference hosted in Baku, Azerbaijan, where Starmer was one of the few leaders from the G20 nations to attend.
Starmer's declaration marks an increase in ambition from the previous government's 2021 commitment to reduce emissions by 78% within the same period.
During the conference, Starmer emphasized the UK's commitment to maintaining itself as a climate leader and underscored that climate security is integral to national, economic, and global security.
While attending COP29, Starmer committed to not enforcing lifestyle changes on citizens to meet this target.
He highlighted government initiatives like lifting restrictions on new onshore wind projects and stopping new oil and gas exploration licenses in the North Sea.
Additionally, he noted that the UK has closed its last coal power plant, making it the first G7 economy to phase out coal power, focusing instead on renewable energy projects.
Environmental organizations have responded positively, albeit cautiously, to the new target.
Rosie Downes, head of campaigns at Friends of the Earth, acknowledged the move as 'a step in the right direction' but stressed the need for more rapid actions to prevent severe climate impacts.
Downes also pointed out the necessity of a detailed execution plan to meet these targets, noting that the UK is currently not on track to meet its existing 2030 commitments.
The backdrop of the conference included the re-election of US President Donald Trump, known for his climate change skepticism, and fresh warnings that 2024 may break global temperature records.