Labour's Urgent Climate Challenge: Meeting 2030 Emission Targets

The new Labour government needs to act swiftly to meet Britain's 2030 climate target. Currently, only a third of the required emission reductions are covered by a credible plan. The Climate Change Committee has outlined recommendations, including rapid increases in renewable energy installations and electric vehicle use.

Britain's new Labour government faces an urgent task to get the country back on track to meet its 2030 climate target, with only a third of the necessary emission reductions currently addressed by a credible plan, according to climate advisers on Thursday.

In efforts to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, Britain aims to reduce emissions by 68% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. The Climate Change Committee noted in its annual progress report that progress is off track, largely due to the previous Conservative government's rollback on some environmental policies.

"The country's 2030 emissions reduction target is at risk. The new government has an opportunity to course-correct, but it will need to be done as a matter of urgency," said Piers Forster, the committee's interim chair. The report recommended measures such as removing certain levies from electricity bills to promote electrification in sectors like heat and transport and restoring the 2030 phase-out of new fossil fuel car and van sales.

Additionally, the report emphasized the need for significant increases in annual offshore wind installations, onshore wind installations, and solar installations by 2030. The market share of new electric cars should rise to nearly 100% from the current 16.5%, while 10% of homes need heat pumps, up from 1% today.

The report welcomed the recent government decision to lift the effective ban on new onshore wind projects but called for more effort outside the electricity sector. "We need to see that level of ambition applied to heat pumps, EVs (electric vehicles), and tree planting," said James Richardson, acting chief executive, in a briefing with journalists.

(With inputs from agencies.)