UK Passes Net Zero Emissions Law

The UK government has passed the law to bring all its greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.

The UK has become the first major economy to pass the net zero emissions law committing to end its contribution to global warming by 2050.

According to the government, net zero means any emissions would be balanced by schemes to offset an equivalent amount of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

The target, recommended by UK’s Committee on Climate Change, could bring the number of green collar jobs to grow to 2 million and the value of exports from the low carbon economy to GBP 170 billion a year by 2030.

The previous target included a reduction of at least 80% from 1990 levels, the government stated, adding that the UK has already reduced emissions by 42% while growing the economy by 72%.

“The UK kick-started the Industrial Revolution, which was responsible for economic growth across the globe but also for increasing emissions,” said Energy and Clean Growth Minister Chris Skidmore.

“Today we’re leading the world yet again in becoming the first major economy to pass new laws to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050 while remaining committed to growing the economy – putting clean growth at the heart of our modern Industrial Strategy.”

The government is hosting Green GB Week on 4 November to encourage all sectors of society to play their part in meeting the target.