UK PLANS TO BE CARBON NEUTRAL BY 2050

London, June 12: The British government on Wednesday presented draft legislation to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 in what it said would be a first for a major economy.

The new target was broadly welcomed across the political spectrum but environmental groups said it would require radical action to decarbonise the entire economy.

The deadline is far more ambitious than Britain’s current policy of cutting emissions by 80 per cent over the same period and finance minister Philip Hammond has reportedly warned it could cost more than £1.0 trillion.

The 2050 date will be introduced in existing climate change laws through a piece of legislation known as a statutory instrument that parliament is expected to approve.

“As the first country to legislate for long-term climate targets, we can be truly proud of our record in tackling climate change,” Prime Minister Theresa May said.

In one of her final acts before she steps down in July, she said UK “must lead the world to a cleaner, greener form of growth”.

Britain’s top advisory body on climate change this year said the net zero target could be achieved within a budget of 1.0-2.0 per cent of gross domestic product by 2050.

But the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) added that the deadline would require the rapid rollout of new policies such as making all new cars and vans electric by 2035 and quadrupling low-carbon electricity production.

“This step will send a strong signal to other countries to follow suit,” said John Gummer, the committee’s chief.