The CCC published two progress reports to the UK Parliament last week (Thursday 24th June 2021) offering its appraisal of progress on the twin climate challenges: cutting emissions to Net Zero and adapting to the climate risks facing the UK. Within these reports, the CCC presents the Government with more than 200 climate policy recommendations.
In terms of progress in reducing emissions, the report highlights that emissions next year are expected to rebound after falling 13 percent in 2020 following lockdown measures. The report calls for a comprehensive Net Zero Strategy to be published before COP26, alongside a Net Zero Test to ensure that all Government policy is compatible with UK climate targets, and the publication of delayed plans such as an ambitious Heat and Buildings Strategy.
Progress in adapting to climate change is not keeping up with the increasing risks facing the country with only five of 34 sectors assessed by the CCC showing notable progress in the past two years. The UK is not prepared for even a 2ºC rise in global temperature under the current National Adaptation Programme for England, let alone higher levels of warming that are possible by the end of the century.
For additional information:
Progress Reports and the joint recommendations here.
Report launch event recording here. This includes a wide-ranging Q&A moderated by the Financial Times columnist Tim Harford.
