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Carbon Emissions

Asked by Sir Christopher ChopeConservativeDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled Answered 18 November 2024UIN 14005

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the impact of reductions in carbon emissions since 1990 on climate change in the UK.

Answered by Kerry McCarthy

The UK was the first country to set legally binding carbon budgets and the first major economy to establish a net zero target in law. The Impact Assessment of the Sixth Carbon Budget included a cost-benefit analysis which showed the economic costs and benefits of net zero. Without the shift to renewable energy, we will continue to be exposed to volatile fossil fuel markets and the cost of living crises households had to live through in the last Parliament. The UK has a vital role to play - nearly half of annual global emissions come from countries producing 3% or less of the global total, and our domestic leadership is essential to persuade others to act and protect future generations from climate breakdown.

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