‘Net zero’ refers to the UK Government’s legal commitment to reduce its net greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050. This would be achieved by a combination of reducing emissions and removing carbon from the atmosphere.

Net zero legislation

Under the Climate Change Act 2008, the UK is legally required to act on climate change. This includes mitigating the effects of climate change through emissions reductions and taking action to adapt to some of the near-term impacts.

In 2019, following the recommendation of the independent Climate Change Committee, the UK passed legislation that committed the government to reducing its emissions by 100% against a 1990 baseline by 2050. This is commonly known as the ‘net zero’ target, and it is legally binding.

In practice, net zero means that total greenhouse gas emissions are equal to the carbon removed from the atmosphere. A combination of emissions reductions and carbon sequestration or removal can therefore be used to meet the target.

Plans and policies to reach net zero

The UK has set out its policies and strategies in the overarching net zero strategy (2021) and the updated net zero growth plan (2023). The 2023 plan followed a 2022 High Court judgment, which ruled that the original strategy was unlawful for not setting out how the government would meet its emissions reductions commitments.

These plans are underpinned by carbon budgets, which set a ceiling on the emissions allowed within a specified time period. In 2025, the government is due to set the seventh carbon budget, for the period from 2038 to 2042.

Progress on climate change is assessed by the Climate Change Committee, and scrutinised by parliamentary committees as well as wider environmental organisations.

Further information


Author: Nuala Burnett

Photo Credit: (© By teamjackson– stock.adobe.com).

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