The Committee on Climate Change’s (CCC) latest report calling on the UK Government to take “urgent action” on cutting emissions has been backed by some in the sector.

Former Shell Chairman Lord Oxburgh of Liverpool said the government needs to bring forward decarbonisation policies quickly “if it is to retain its moral authority on climate change”.

He added: “As this report makes clear, the government has no room for complacency if it wants to deliver effective decarbonisation at low cost.

“Ministers need to come forward very soon with coherent policies on energy efficiency, low carbon transport, renewable heat and renewable electricity, otherwise the UK will fall behind other nations and lose its moral authority on the international stage.”

Guy Smith, Vice-President of the National Farmers Union (NFU), urged the government to take the wider impacts on the rural economy in mind when setting renewable energy policies.

He added: “The Committee’s view on renewable energy is pretty clear – we need stable policies to incentivise land-based clean technologies such as wind, solar and biogas, otherwise Britain will not achieve its future climate change targets.”

Friends of the Earth’s senior climate campaigner Simon Bullock said: “As communities around the UK increasingly reject the Government’s fossil fuel fixation, it’s time for a fresh approach to the challenges we face.

“Ministers must listen to the alternatives recommended by its official advisor: more support for clean energy, better insulated homes and a huge energy efficiency drive.”

The UK Green Building Council added progress on improving the nation’s buildings is currently “falling short”.

Chief Executive Julie Hirigoyen said: “The government must follow its advice and agree an action plan for energy efficiency which results in homes that are cheaper to heat and that are shielded from the worst effects of climate change.”