The Net Zero target is a government commitment to ensure the UK reduces its greenhouse gas emissions by 100%, from 1990 levels, by 2050.
The target stemmed from a recommendation made by the Climate Change Committee (CCC) in May 2019. The CCC is a statutory body that provides independent advice on climate change to the UK and devolved governments.
The target was made legally binding by the Climate Change Act 2008 (2050 Target Amendment) Order 2019.
To set out how it planned to achieve this target, the government published the Net Zero Strategy in October 2019.
In September 2022, the government commissioned an independent review of the net zero target.
Key documents:
- Clean Power 2030 Action Plan – Setting out a pathway to a clean energy system by 2030
- SW Net Zero Hub summary of Clean Power 2030 Action Plan
- UK Net Zero Strategy – Policies and proposals for decarbonising all sectors of the UK economy and meeting the net zero target by 2050.
- Clean Growth Strategy – The previous UK government’s blueprint for Britain’s low carbon future.
- Net Zero Review – An independent review considering how the net zero target could maximise economic growth whilst also increasing energy security and affordability for consumers and businesses.
- Department for Energy Security and Net Zero home page
- Energy Security Strategy – This strategy sets out how Great Britain will accelerate homegrown power for greater energy independence.
- Heat and buildings strategy – This strategy sets out how the UK will decarbonise our homes, and our commercial, industrial and public sector buildings, as part of setting a path to net zero by 2050.
- Green Finance Strategy – The previous UK Government’s roadmap for sustainable investment.
- Powering Up Britain – Previous UK Government plans for enhancing energy security and delivering on net zero commitments.
- Climate Change Committee – The UK’s independent advisor on tackling climate change.
