Boris Johnson confirms 78% emissions cut by 2035

The Prime Minister has pushed climate commitments forward nearly 15 years earlier than previously planned

Boris Johnson has today announced more aggressive climate targets that could see the UK cut carbon dioxide emissions by 78% by 2035 from 1990 levels.

The plan sets out measures designed to help the country achieve this target almost 15 years earlier than previously planned.

The new climate target, outlined today by the Prime Minister ahead of the US climate summit in Washington and expected to become law by the end of June, includes emissions generated by international aviation and shipping.

This is the first time the UK’s Carbon Budget will integrate international aviation and shipping emissions.

The newly-announced goal would bring the UK more than three-quarters of the way to net zero by 2050.

Under the new UK targets, households will need to drastically shrink their carbon footprint by being much better insulated, using more low carbon heating and buying more renewable electricity.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “We want to continue to raise the bar on tackling climate change, and that’s why we’re setting the most ambitious target to cut emissions in the world.

“The UK will be home to pioneering businesses, new technologies and green innovation as we make progress to net zero emissions, laying the foundations for decades of economic growth in a way that creates thousands of jobs.

“We want to see world leaders follow our lead and match our ambition in the run-up to the crucial climate summit COP26, as we will only build back greener and protect our planet if we come together to take action.”

Business and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “This latest target shows the world that the UK is serious about protecting the health of our planet, while also seizing the new economic opportunities it will bring and capitalising on green technologies, yet another step as we build back greener from the pandemic we lead the world towards a cleaner, more prosperous future for this generation and those to come.”

COP26 President-Designate Alok Sharma said: “This hugely positive step forward for the UK sets a gold standard for ambitious Paris-aligned action that I urge others to keep pace with ahead of COP26 in Glasgow later this year.”

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