Climate change: PM aims for world-leading UK emissions cuts
The UK prime minister is set to declare one of the most ambitious targets in the world for tackling climate change. BBC News understands Boris Johnson's goal will be to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 68% or 69% by the end of the decade, based on 1990 levels. This will mean an even faster pace of decarbonisation for industries, transport and homes. It might, for instance, mean a faster switch away from gas boilers for home heating. Or it could, under another scenario, lead to the phase-out of gas-guzzling SUVs. The targets are known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs). They're at the heart of the Paris Agreement, the international pact signed in 2016 that's intended to cut emissions with the aim of keeping global temperature rise well under 2C. NDCs represent the commitments by each country - under the Paris pact - to reduce their own national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Mr Johnson hopes that the UKs new targets will set an example to other nations, which will join a virtual climate pledges summit on 12 December. This virtual event will occur in place of annual UN climate talks, which were set to have taken place in Glasgow this year, but were postponed because of Covid-19. The UK has assumed the presidency at the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP) meeting - in partnership with Italy. The full meeting will take place at the end of next year. The 68% cut was deemed by the EU to be Britains fair share towards combating climate change. By adding another percentage point, the PM would attract favourable headlines from some environmentalists although others think the number should be higher still, given the apparent impact of climate change on the world already. Green groups have called for a 75% cut, and research by consultancy Cambridge Econometrics, commissioned by the Prince of Wales corporate leaders group, said a target of a 70% by 2030 was necessary. Tim Crosland, from the pressure group Extinction Rebellion, said 100% emissions cuts in the UK should be made by 2025 if the world was to avoid over-shooting the 1.5C temperature threshold agreed by the UN. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said it wouldnt comment until it had seen the official figures. The true value of the PMs target wont be clear until details about background assumptions are revealed officially in coming days. One question is whether the UK could use international credits for achieving its target - in effect paying other nations to cut emissions on its behalf. The government's advisory Climate Change Committee has told the PM that credits would only be allowable if the target is more ambitious than 68%. It says in a letter: "This trajectory for UK emissions is eminently achievable, provided effective policies are introduced across the economy without delay. These would bring significant benefits for the UK's economic recovery. "The NDC is more than just a number. It should be accompanied by wider climate commitments, including the development of a policy package and Net Zero Strategy to deliver against the UK goal, clear commitments to reduce international aviation and shipping emissions, and greater support for climate finance, particularly for developing countries. "It is also imperative that the NDC is accompanied by strengthened climate change adaptation plans." The 2030 date is important because CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere are cumulative. That means that if the UK doesnt radically reduce emissions by that date, it wont be able to achieve its long-term aim of net zero emissions by mid-century. Net zero refers to cutting greenhouse gas emissions as far as possible and balancing any further releases by removing an equivalent amount from the atmosphere. Only a handful of countries have submitted revised NDCs so far. Follow Roger on Twitter. Race against time to save Morocco quake survivors US denies Cold War with China in historic Vietnam visit How Russia and West agreed on Ukraine G20 language How Russia and West agreed on Ukraine G20 language US denies Cold War with China in historic Vietnam visit 'Everyone in this village is either dead or missing' At the scene of Morocco mosque collapsed by quake. Video At the scene of Morocco mosque collapsed by quake Inside the horror of Europe's biggest wildfire Inside a 'hijacked' South African building. Video Inside a 'hijacked' South African building How chronic pain feels for me. Video How chronic pain feels for me The rise and fall of a parenting influencer Guyana scrambles to make the most of oil wealth Florida's first hurricane-proof town The greatest spy novel ever written? Why is everyone crazy about Aperol? 2023 BBC.