Rishi Sunak’s net zero plans in doubt as key green pledges face being scrapped
1 year, 4 months ago

Rishi Sunak’s net zero plans in doubt as key green pledges face being scrapped

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Downing Street was forced to insist its pledge to reach net zero by 2050 “remains”, but the prime minister’s spokesperson said he is “making sure we listen to consumers and business” and will “continually scrutinise” plans such as the banning of new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030. He added: “So, yes, we’re going to make progress towards net zero but we’re going to do that in a proportionate and pragmatic way that doesn’t unnecessarily give people more hassle and more costs in their lives.” His comments came hours after Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchell was initially unclear about the 2030 petrol and diesel car ban until he insisted, after coming under pressure, that it “will remain in place”. Asked if it would remain that way, he said: “Well, all I can tell you is it is in place,” but when challenged again said: “Well, I’m afraid I can’t prophesy for the future.” It follows days of pressure on the government from Tory backbenchers to delay or drop plans to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, in a bid to win back voters. Sunak said the government will move towards net zero in a way that doesn’t give people ‘more hassle’ The prime minister insisted on Monday that reaching net zero is important to him, following accusations he is “uninterested” in the environment.

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History of this topic

Ministers told to redraw green plans after High Court rules UK's current net zero strategy unlawful
7 months, 2 weeks ago

Ministers told to redraw green plans after High Court rules UK's current net zero strategy unlawful

Daily Mail  

The UK will have to come up with a new strategy to reach net zero after a High Court judge ruled the existing plan was unlawful. Last year the then energy secretary Grant Shapps signed off a strategy known as the sixth carbon budget – stating how the country would meet targets ahead of cutting carbon emissions to net zero …

Rishi Sunak’s net zero targets are ‘path to ruin’, says leading Tory MP
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Rishi Sunak’s net zero targets are ‘path to ruin’, says leading Tory MP

The Telegraph  

Mr Sunak has faced growing unrest among Tory backbenchers over the cost of green policies at a time when the party is trailing in the polls. The Prime Minister pledged a “more pragmatic, proportionate, and realistic approach to meeting net zero that eases the burdens on working people” in a speech last September. End the chimera of ‘green jobs’ tomorrow …

Sunak suffers major Tory rebellion in vote on net zero plans
1 year ago

Sunak suffers major Tory rebellion in vote on net zero plans

The Telegraph  

Rishi Sunak has suffered one of the biggest rebellions of his premiership as dozens of Tory MPs including Suella Braverman and Dame Priti Patel voted against his net zero plans. The measure was passed with Labour’s support on Monday evening but will be a worry to Mr Sunak as Tory rebels reached the “magic number” of 26 – the number …

The tough truth behind corporate net zero sustainability targets
1 year, 1 month ago

The tough truth behind corporate net zero sustainability targets

BBC  

The tough truth behind corporate net zero sustainability targets Alamy The number of companies releasing net zero pledges is growing, but how they'll get there while maintaining business operations isn't so straightforward Businesses are increasingly committing to ambitious sustainability pledges. Net Zero Tracker, an independent group that follows corporate pledges, found that half the world’s largest 2,000 publicly listed companies …

Net zero policy changes to cost drivers and renters more money, say advisers
1 year, 2 months ago

Net zero policy changes to cost drivers and renters more money, say advisers

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Around a fifth of the required emissions reductions to 2030 are covered by plans that we assess as insufficient …

Rishi Sunak's own climate advisers say his net zero rollback will cost people more
1 year, 2 months ago

Rishi Sunak's own climate advisers say his net zero rollback will cost people more

The Telegraph  

Household energy bills could be higher as a result of the Government’s rollback of net zero policies, its own climate change advisers have said. A Government spokesman said: “We are taking a fairer and more pragmatic approach to meeting net zero that eases burdens on families – saving households up to £15,000 on upfront costs to upgrade their homes.” ‘UK’s …

Whitehall should get out of local government’s way on net zero, say campaigners
1 year, 2 months ago

Whitehall should get out of local government’s way on net zero, say campaigners

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Westminster should get out of the way of local government …

Sunak ‘unconservative’ for watering down net zero rules
1 year, 2 months ago

Sunak ‘unconservative’ for watering down net zero rules

The Telegraph  

Rishi Sunak is unconservative for rowing back on Britain’s net zero pledges, says Lord Deben, formerly one of the Government’s most senior climate advisers. Three months after stepping down as chair of the Climate Change Committee, the Tory grandee has hit out at the Prime Minister for scaling back key environmental policies. Not only does he think the decision will …

Rishi Sunak defends U.K. climate policy U-turn amid international criticism
1 year, 3 months ago

Rishi Sunak defends U.K. climate policy U-turn amid international criticism

NPR  

Rishi Sunak defends U.K. climate policy U-turn amid international criticism Enlarge this image toggle caption ALASTAIR GRANT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images ALASTAIR GRANT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images LONDON — Amid growing international criticism, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has defended watering down key U.K. climate policies. But his government's own climate adviser called the prime minister's assertion that the U.K. would still …

What Sunak’s net zero U-turn means for the UK’s climate goals
1 year, 3 months ago

What Sunak’s net zero U-turn means for the UK’s climate goals

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. He said these measures imposed “unacceptable costs” on ordinary people, a claim climate experts strongly refute, and said the …

Tories at war over Rishi Sunak’s betrayal of net zero pledge
1 year, 3 months ago

Tories at war over Rishi Sunak’s betrayal of net zero pledge

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The car giant Ford led industry backlash, warning the U-turn …

Rishi Sunak accused of axing net zero policies which never existed in combative Radio 4 interview
1 year, 3 months ago

Rishi Sunak accused of axing net zero policies which never existed in combative Radio 4 interview

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Rishi Sunak’s plans were applauded by his cabinet at a …

Rishi Sunak latest: Net zero changes can win Tories next election, says Jacob Rees-Mogg
1 year, 3 months ago

Rishi Sunak latest: Net zero changes can win Tories next election, says Jacob Rees-Mogg

The Telegraph  

Rishi Sunak’s changes to net zero policy can help the Conservative Party win the next general election, Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg has said. Sir Jacob, a former business secretary, told GB News: “I think these changes could win the Conservatives the next election. “Rishi Sunak has sent the hairshirt to the incinerator, he’s lifted the burden off society and actually he …

The UK Is Burning Climate Pledges to Fuel a Culture War
54 years, 11 months ago

The UK Is Burning Climate Pledges to Fuel a Culture War

Wired  

The UK government has taken the unusual step of scaling back major climate commitments, despite widespread pushback from scientists, businesses, and lawmakers across the political divide. In a speech today, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the UK would push back deadlines for the planned phaseout of gas-powered vehicles, ending fossil-fuel heating in homes not connected to the natural-gas grid, and …

Boris Johnson attacks Rishi Sunak’s plans to ease net zero goals: ‘We cannot afford to falter’
1 year, 3 months ago

Boris Johnson attacks Rishi Sunak’s plans to ease net zero goals: ‘We cannot afford to falter’

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. And former Tory environment minister Zac Goldsmith called for a general election “now”, after warning …

Sunak announces U-turn on several UK net zero policies
1 year, 3 months ago

Sunak announces U-turn on several UK net zero policies

Al Jazeera  

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pushes back the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in the UK from 2030 to 2035. The UK will water down policies aimed at achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and instead pursue a “pragmatic” approach to hitting the target, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said. ‘I believe in net …

Sunak to water down net zero commitments to ensure they are ‘proportionate’
1 year, 3 months ago

Sunak to water down net zero commitments to ensure they are ‘proportionate’

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Rishi Sunak appears set to water down some of the …

Half of Britons too worried about cost of living to consider climate change
1 year, 3 months ago

Half of Britons too worried about cost of living to consider climate change

The Telegraph  

More than half of British people are too concerned about the cost of living to worry about climate change, a new poll suggests. ‘Nonsensical rabbit hole’ Mr Mackinlay said: “I am not at all surprised that polling shows the British public, now facing the reality of net zero costs, becoming lukewarm to the project. It’s little wonder the public are …

Grant Shapps sparks fresh Tory row over net zero
1 year, 4 months ago

Grant Shapps sparks fresh Tory row over net zero

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Energy secretary Grant Shapps has warned senior Conservatives pushing for Rishi …

U.K. PM Sunak backs new oil and gas exploration plans off coast
1 year, 4 months ago

U.K. PM Sunak backs new oil and gas exploration plans off coast

The Hindu  

U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has backed plans for new fossil fuel drilling off Britain’s coast, saying in a Sunday newspaper interview he would be “pragmatic and proportionate” about reaching net zero. “I think it makes absolutely no sense, as the Labour Party is suggesting, to ban North Sea oil and gas,” Mr. Sunak told the Sunday Telegraph. Mr. Sunak, …

Rishi Sunak Backs New UK Oil, Gas Exploration Amid Cost-of-Living Crisis in UK
1 year, 4 months ago

Rishi Sunak Backs New UK Oil, Gas Exploration Amid Cost-of-Living Crisis in UK

News 18  

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has backed plans to permit new fossil fuel exploration off Britain’s coast, as he pledged to be “pragmatic and proportionate” about achieving net zero in an interview published Saturday. “I think it makes absolutely no sense, as the Labour Party is suggesting, to ban North Sea oil and gas,” Sunak told the Tory-supporting newspaper, referring to …

Sunak urged to drop ‘unpopular’ and ‘expensive’ green pledges ahead of election
1 year, 5 months ago

Sunak urged to drop ‘unpopular’ and ‘expensive’ green pledges ahead of election

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Prime Minister is being urged by the right of the Conservative Party to drop …

Rishi Sunak faces uphill battle in achieving his five pledges
1 year, 5 months ago

Rishi Sunak faces uphill battle in achieving his five pledges

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

UK failing to meet net zero targets, government’s own climate watchdog warns
1 year, 5 months ago

UK failing to meet net zero targets, government’s own climate watchdog warns

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The government’s own climate watchdog has said it is losing confidence …

Climate advisers lose confidence in Government’s net zero plans
1 year, 5 months ago

Climate advisers lose confidence in Government’s net zero plans

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The UK Government appears less likely to meet its net zero targets since it became …

What’s Needed to Reach Net-Zero This Century, According to the IEA
1 year, 8 months ago

What’s Needed to Reach Net-Zero This Century, According to the IEA

Bloomberg  

Clean energy has become so inexpensive, and climate policy aspirations so common, that together they can potentially lower projected global warming to 1.7C above pre-industrial levels in 2100, according to the International Energy Agency. Despite a temporary drop at the height of the pandemic in 2020, global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions rose to a record high of 36.8 billion metric …

Inside climate activists’ uneasy relationship with ‘net-zero’
1 year, 8 months ago

Inside climate activists’ uneasy relationship with ‘net-zero’

Salon  

In the premier episode of Apple TV's climate show, Extrapolations, it's 2037 and Earth is in turmoil. Although the concept of global net-zero is rooted in climate science, today's carbon neutrality pledges from individual governments and corporations have been criticized in some quarters as a "con," because they allow polluters to continue emitting greenhouse gases. "Global net-zero is nonnegotiable if …

If you think net zero is expensive, wait until you see the cost of the climate crisis
1 year, 8 months ago

If you think net zero is expensive, wait until you see the cost of the climate crisis

The Independent  

Going green will “destroy our economy” – at least, according to some commentary in recent days. However, Britain’s largest asset manager – which is well-informed on the economic impacts of rising sea levels, droughts, bad harvests, floods and other extreme weather events – makes clear in a report that cost will be reduced if we act to address the cause …

Powering Up Britain: All we know about the government’s new net zero plan
1 year, 8 months ago

Powering Up Britain: All we know about the government’s new net zero plan

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The UK has set out new net zero plans to boost energy security and reduce …

Corporate climate pledges: Is it greenwashing?
1 year, 10 months ago

Corporate climate pledges: Is it greenwashing?

Live Mint  

Corporate climate pledges are mushrooming as global companies seek to reassure customers and investors about their green credentials by promising net zero emissions and carbon-neutral products. But multinational companies branding themselves as climate leaders mostly have "inadequate and ambiguous" plans to fulfil their promises, according to a report published on Monday by the NewClimate Institute, a Berlin-based think-tank. While only …

Explained | What is ‘greenwashing’?
2 years, 1 month ago

Explained | What is ‘greenwashing’?

The Hindu  

The story so far: At the ongoing COP27 conference, Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres said, “We must have zero tolerance for net-zero greenwashing.” He made the remarks during the launch of a report, titled ‘Integrity Matters: Net Zero Commitments by Businesses, Financial Institutions, Cities and Regions’, by the organisation’s High-Level Expert Group, instituted in March this year. Referring …

U.N. chief slams companies engaging in ‘toxic cover-up’
2 years, 1 month ago

U.N. chief slams companies engaging in ‘toxic cover-up’

The Hindu  

The U.N.'s chief called on Tuesday for an end to a "toxic cover-up" by companies as a sweeping report said they cannot claim to be net zero if they invest in new fossil fuels, cause deforestation or offset emissions instead of reducing them. Antonio Guterres said businesses as well as cities and regions should update their voluntary net zero pledges …

UK well off track to meet 2030s carbon-cutting goals, official figures project
2 years, 1 month ago

UK well off track to meet 2030s carbon-cutting goals, official figures project

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. In the light of the new data, senior climate lawyer for environmental law charity Sam Hunter Jones said: “These …

One in four companies quietly shelving progress on net-zero pledges
2 years, 2 months ago

One in four companies quietly shelving progress on net-zero pledges

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A quarter of companies that set targets to meet their net-zero commitments are quietly shelving …

This is what Conservative voters want to see on the climate crisis
2 years, 5 months ago

This is what Conservative voters want to see on the climate crisis

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Despite the hopes of a few …

Alok Sharma warns he may resign if new Tory leader ditches net zero pledge
2 years, 5 months ago

Alok Sharma warns he may resign if new Tory leader ditches net zero pledge

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Cabinet minister and Cop26 president Alok Sharma has warned he may quit if the new …

Warning over net zero goal as Tory leadership hopefuls line up
2 years, 5 months ago

Warning over net zero goal as Tory leadership hopefuls line up

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

The government risks failing to deliver net zero
2 years, 5 months ago

The government risks failing to deliver net zero

The Independent  

It does not look good. “Across the board there are serious gaps,” Climate Change Chairman, Lord Deben, said in a briefing on the government’s progress toward net zero on Wednesday. “Under the present proposals we don’t believe that you can reach the statutory, the legal, targets which we need to reach.” The committee, which was set up under the 2008 …

‘Major failures’ in govt plans to meet net zero climate goals, says advisory body
2 years, 5 months ago

‘Major failures’ in govt plans to meet net zero climate goals, says advisory body

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy “Major failures” in the government’s delivery of plans to meet UK climate goals means it …

Tory battle for net zero increasingly driving Conservative MPs to factionalism
2 years, 8 months ago

Tory battle for net zero increasingly driving Conservative MPs to factionalism

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The government’s legally-binding goal of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 is winning …

‘Critical gap’ in UK energy policy means government will miss net zero targets, MPs warned
2 years, 9 months ago

‘Critical gap’ in UK energy policy means government will miss net zero targets, MPs warned

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The government is on course to miss crucial targets needed to ensure it meets its …

Campaigners launch legal challenge over Net Zero strategy
2 years, 10 months ago

Campaigners launch legal challenge over Net Zero strategy

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The UK government is facing at third legal challenge to its “dangerously threadbare” net zero …

Rishi Sunak planning council tax cuts and state-backed loans for energy firms to ease bills crisis
2 years, 10 months ago

Rishi Sunak planning council tax cuts and state-backed loans for energy firms to ease bills crisis

The Telegraph  

The Bank of England is also expected to announce an increase in interest rates on Thursday, potentially from 0.25 per cent to 0.5 per cent - further squeezing families with mortgages. For weeks, MPs have been calling on Mr Sunak to cut the 12 per cent of energy bills that goes towards funding green energy programmes, known as “green levies”. …

UK listed companies will be forced to publish annual plans on how they will go green
3 years, 1 month ago

UK listed companies will be forced to publish annual plans on how they will go green

The Telegraph  

Every company listed on the UK stock exchange will be legally obliged to produce annual plans for becoming more green or risk financial penalties, Rishi Sunak will announce on Wednesday. The firms will have to produce regular “transition plans” for how they will help Britain reach net zero in carbon emissions by 2050 – a flagship Boris Johnson climate commitment. …

India pledges new climate crisis goal: Net zero by 2070
3 years, 1 month ago

India pledges new climate crisis goal: Net zero by 2070

Hindustan Times  

India will reach carbon neutrality by 2070, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced as part of a five-point action plan that included reducing emissions to 50% by 2030, making the boldest pledge on Monday at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, where he also urged developed countries to deliver on their promise of climate financing. “It is India’s expectation that the …

Climate crisis: The world has a long, hard climb to ‘net zero’
3 years, 1 month ago

Climate crisis: The world has a long, hard climb to ‘net zero’

Al Jazeera  

The findings in three major documents will guide the decisions of world leaders at COP26 in Glasgow in tackling runaway climate change. If the world emulates the European Union’s commitment to halving emissions by 2030 and eliminating them altogether by 2050, possibly extracting some CO2 from the atmosphere thereafter, global average temperatures by 2100 will be roughly 1.4C higher than …

Mitigating a crisis: The Hindu Editorial on COP26 Glasgow climate meet
3 years, 1 month ago

Mitigating a crisis: The Hindu Editorial on COP26 Glasgow climate meet

The Hindu  

In a week, heads of state from at least 120 countries are expected to convene in Glasgow for the 26th meeting of the United Nations Conference of the Parties. The year 2020 was to have been an important year in the COP calendar as most of the major economies were expected to review the actions undertaken so far in meeting …

Divide on net zero by 2050 target talked down, as Bridget McKenzie takes aim at inner-city colleagues
3 years, 2 months ago

Divide on net zero by 2050 target talked down, as Bridget McKenzie takes aim at inner-city colleagues

ABC  

Government MPs have played down suggestions of a growing divide within Coalition ranks over setting a target for net zero emissions by 2050. Key points: Bridget McKenzie says it is easier for Liberal MPs in inner-city electorates to support net zero by 2050 Environment Minister Sussan Ley says there is not that big a divide between regional and inner-city Australians …

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg publicly backs net zero by 2050 target, as government inches towards commitment
3 years, 3 months ago

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg publicly backs net zero by 2050 target, as government inches towards commitment

ABC  

The federal government is yet to set a target of net zero emissions by 2050 but the Treasurer has used a speech and several media appearances to push the case to finalise a plan. The PM has expressed a desire to reach net zero emissions "preferably" by 2050 but internal division has prevented him from setting a legislated target Nationals …

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