Government seeks advice on changing greenhouse gas target

Following the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) publishing a special report on the impact of global warming of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels the government is asking the CCC to collect evidence on:

• when the UK should reach net zero emissions of carbon dioxide and/or greenhouse gases as a contribution to global ambition under the Paris Agreement
• if that target should be set now
• the implications for emissions in 2050
• how such reductions can be achieved
• and the costs and benefits involved in comparison to existing targets.

The Committee will advise based on a thorough consideration of the relevant evidence. They are asking for specific expert responses which cover:

• The latest climate science, including as contained in the IPCC Special Report on 1.5°C.
• The terms of the Paris Agreement.
• Global pathways (including those reported by the IPCC) consistent with limiting global average temperature rise in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
• International circumstances, including existing plans and commitments to cut emissions in other countries, actions to deliver on those plans and opportunities for going further.
• An updated assessment of the current and potential options for deep emissions reductions in the UK and emissions removals from the atmosphere, including options for going beyond the current 80% target towards net zero.
• An appraisal of the costs, risks and opportunities from setting a tighter long-term target.
• The actions needed in the near term that would be consistent with achieving the long-term targets.

You can respond through the CCC’s website. The deadline is 7 December 2018.