carbon budget

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UK forecast to miss fourth and fifth carbon budgets

The UK is on course to breach its fourth and fifth carbon budgets by 139 and 245 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) respectively, according to the latest forecast from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

A coal-fired power station in Pocerady, Czech republic. The UK is rapidly replacing such stations with gas-powered facilities by 2025

UK carbon emissions fall for record sixth year

CO2 emissions have fallen for a sixth consecutive year - the longest continuous decline since records began - according to new data provided by the Government.

The second carbon budget was met with emissions of 384 MtCO2e (14%) below the level of the budget

CCC advises government against rolling over carbon budget surplus

The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) has issued "unequivocal advice" to the government not to carry forward an emissions surplus from the second carbon budget to subsequent accounting periods.

The call to action has been sent to Domino's, McDonald’s, Chipotle, Yum! Brands, Restaurant Brands International and Wendy’s

Investors press fast food giants to 'urgently' improve supply chain sustainability

A coalition of investment firms with more than $6.5trn in assets under management have called on six of the world's largest fast food companies to take more ambitious action to tackle the climate and water risks within their supply chains, as a "matter of urgency".

10 years on from the Climate Change Act, how far have we come?

The first line of the Climate Change Act passed in 2008 reads "it is the duty of the Secretary of State to ensure that the net UK carbon account for the year 2050 is at least 80% lower than the baseline".

The business leaders note that the UK has acted as a leader on climate change since the publication of the Climate Change Act

Interface, Unilever and Coca-Cola among business leaders calling for UK net-zero emissions target

The chief executives of major UK-based companies including Interface, Coca-Cola European Partners and Unilever have called for Prime Minister Theresa May to set legally binding targets that ensure the UK reaches net-zero emissions by 2050 at the latest.

Plan B responded by calling for an “urgent clarification” on whether the CCC would be permitted to recommend changes to the agreed carbon budgets

Net zero emissions review may prompt changes to existing carbon budgets

Claire Perry has confirmed that the already agreed carbon budgets may be amended in response to the Committee on Climate Change's (CCC) net zero emissions review.

The IEA calculated that existing infrastructure would “lock in” 550 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide over the next 22 years

World has no capacity to absorb new fossil fuel plants, warns IEA

The world has so many existing fossil fuel projects that it cannot afford to build any more polluting infrastructure without busting international climate change goals, the global energy watchdog has warned.

Past work carried out by the CCC in 2016 showed that reducing emissions to 92% of 1990 levels was feasible

Climate watchdog 'surprised' by carbon budget review restrictions

Claire Perry's instruction that the upcoming review of the UK's carbon emissions reduction framework should not cover pre-2032 targets was a "surprise" to the climate change watchdog, its chief executive has admitted.

The European Commission has proposed a 30% cut in vehicle emissions by 2030, although MEPs are pushing to raise that figure to 45%

EU must end new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030 to meet climate targets - report

New petrol and diesel car sales in Europe must be phased out before 2030 if the auto sector is to play its part in holding global warming to the Paris agreement's 1.5C goal, a new analysis has found.

edie at 20: Despite the idiocy that is Brexit, we can do it

For edie's 20th anniversary, prominent environmental peer Lord Deben reflects on green policy, Brexit, carbon budgets and flat-earthers.

The Climate Coach: Renewable Energy

I have a dream, of a society where children play safely outside in green, common areas, where there are no cars. People travel to work in electric powered trains, buses and through electric car share. They walk and cycle to school, to the local shop and to meet friends. A dream where renewable energy sources provide all the power we need - for heating, electricity and transport - in businesses as well as in homes.

edie at 20: Is sustainability finally coming home?

It's official - edie is now 20 years old. Our 20th anniversary as a sustainable business media brand offers a chance to celebrate and reflect upon the tremendous achievements of the green economy - but it is also a time for us to realise the immense opportunity that now lies ahead.

Energy policy remained the most pressing challenge identified in the survey

Energy industry growing nervous over 'Brexit fog'

Uncertainty surrounding Brexit is a mounting concern for the energy industry, according to a new report by the Energy Institute.

The letter lauded the “cross-party consensus” that exists on the issue of climate change and said the move would be popular

MPs and peers push for 'net zero' emissions by 2050

A cross-party group of senior MPs and peers have urged the government to commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to "net zero" by 2050.

Under the global Paris agreement, countries have committed to curbing temperature rises to “well below” 2C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to keep them to 1.5C

UK to review climate target raising hopes of a zero emissions pledge

The UK is to review its long-term target to cut climate emissions as part of global efforts to curb rising temperatures, the government has announced.

The report says that while the UK has maintained a consensus on the need for action on climate change, buy-in across government departments is “too uneven”

Report: zero emissions target needed to push UK beyond Paris Agreement

The government should publish a target by 2020 for achieving "net zero" emissions, according to a new report.

2017: A turning point for energy efficiency in the UK?

2017 started badly for the energy efficiency sector: no policy news and yet another shuffle in the Ministerial team. The Government's plan to deliver the 5th Carbon budget was long overdue, the energy efficiency policy landscape was full of holes, and the market was flat.

The report also states that power sector emissions are anticipated to fall by 53 per cent between 2015 and 2020

BEIS cuts projection for greenhouse gas emissions

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has lowered its projection for greenhouse gas emissions during the fourth and fifth carbon budgets.

Perry revealed that the Government is examining ways to support onshore wind in parts of the UK where the technology is popular

UK will be 'pretty close' to reaching fifth carbon budget, says Climate Change Minister

Climate Change Minister Claire Perry today confirmed the Government will look to provide support for onshore wind, as she faced a grilling from MPs over the UK's ability to achieve its mid-term decarbonisation goals.

One of Baroness Brown's major concerns regarding the strategy is its so-called “flexibility” mechanisms, which enable the Government to borrow from

Clean Growth Strategy 'flexibilities' could put Paris goals at risk

The aspirations of the Clean Growth Strategy have been praised as a "step in the right direction" by green economy experts, but concerns have been raised that the Government's willingness to rely on banking and borrowing from carbon budgets could put the goals of the Paris Agreement at risk.

It estimates that 37bn tonnes of CO2 will be emitted from burning fossil fuels, the highest total ever

Fossil fuel burning set to hit record high in 2017, scientists warn

The burning of fossil fuels around the world is set to hit a record high in 2017, climate scientists have warned, following three years of flat growth that raised hopes that a peak in global emissions had been reached.

The report warns that fossil fuel giants Shell and Chevron have 60%-70% of profits at risk

Oil refining capacity set to shrink by a quarter during low-carbon transition

A quarter of global refining capacity will leave the market or be forced to close by 2035, sparking calls for investors to be aware of the risk of "wasting capital" on new investments into the oil sector.

The strategy notes that “there is currently sufficient projected surplus available to carry forward to meet the fourth carbon budget and some of the fifth carbon budget”

Will the UK reach its carbon budget targets with the Clean Growth Strategy?

The Government's long-awaited Clean Growth Strategy details more than 50 initiatives to decarbonise the UK economy in line with the fourth and fifth carbon budgets, but does the ambition have enough quantifiable targets in place to deliver?

Fasten your seat belt, sustainable air travel is preparing for take-off

We have hybrid cars, and it now appears that the prospect of being able to fly more sustainably is no longer beyond the realms of possibility.

The science behind sustainability

At Mars, we've always been conscious of making decisions deeply rooted in science. And when it comes to sustainability, the science couldn't be clearer. Global warming is real, we're seeing its effects all around us, and we must act now.

DNV GL predicts that the first “emission-free” year will only occur in 2090

World set to exhaust carbon budget in 2040s, despite predicted energy plateau

A "watershed moment in human history" will occur in 2030 as energy demand plateaus, although the rapid decarbonisation of the global energy supply will still deplete the carbon budget for the goals of the Paris Agreement by 2041.

Adrian Gault believes the business community has waited for too long for a clear direction on the low-carbon economy from Westminster

Government must seize economic opportunity of low-carbon innovation, says climate adviser

EXCLUSIVE: The UK Government must invest in low-carbon innovation now or risk significantly raising the cost of meeting the fourth and fifth carbon budgets, the chief economist of the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) has told edie.

Labour's Alan Whitehead labelled the Conservatives' delayed release of the Clean Growth Plan

Shadow Energy Minister slams 'deplorable' delay of Clean Growth Plan

EXCLUSIVE: The continued delay of a long-term strategy to decarbonise the UK is a matter of "considerable shame" for the Government, according to Labour's Shadow Energy & Climate Change Minister Alan Whitehead.

The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) warns that “it is no longer justified or wise” to delay publication of the long-awaited Clean Growth Plan

Further delay of climate plans could derail UK's low-carbon shift, warns CCC

Ministers could derail the UK's low-carbon transition unless they deliver urgent new plans to reduce emissions across the country, the Government's independent climate advisory body has warned.

Policy Exchange has called upon Ministers to develop a technology-neutral strategy that involves new technologies such as hydrogen and natural gas vehicles

Policy Exchange: Government must act to stem £170bn loss in fuel duty tax receipts

The Government must consider how it will recover a forecasted £170bn hole in lost fuel duty tax receipts if the UK remains on course to hit the energy targets set out in the Fifth Carbon Budget, a new report from think tank Policy Exchange has warned.

The inaugural league table was published this week, using data from January to March, and placed British Airways, Aer Lingus and Etihad Airways at the top of the rankings

Heathrow expands airline league table to incentivise emissions reductions

The 50 busiest operating airlines at Heathrow Airport are being incentivised to reduce emissions and noise in their operations through a new public ranking system.

(From left to right): Lib Dem environment spokesperson Baroness Parminter, Resource Minister Thérèse Coffey, event chair Clive Anderson, Shadow Secretary for International Trade Barry Gardiner, and Green Party London Assembly member Caroline Russell

Greener UK debate: Parties trade blows over environmental ambitions ahead of election

Environmental representatives from the UK's major political parties clashed last night (30 May) over international climate change leadership and other key green policy issues at a General Election hustings event in London.

Science based targets: a journey of discovery

Setting targets for action on climate change has been both best practice and a dark art for some years. Businesses, with light pressure from NGOs and investors, have acknowledged for some time that targets need to be stretching and industry needs to take a leading role, but the question has remained - how do we know if, collectively, we are trying hard enough?

As part of its response, the Government revealed that it will publish an Aviation Strategy white paper in 2018 as part of a broader aviation commitment

MPs criticise Government over carbon 'fantasy' for Heathrow expansion

The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has criticised the UK Government for refusing to commit to air quality targets in relation to the third runway expansion, labelling the associated carbon calculations as a "fantasy".

BEIS representatives Nick Hurd, Greg Clark and Jesse Norman appeared before the BEIS Committee in Parliament today

UK Clean Growth Plan in 'holding pattern' after snap election announcement

Climate Minister Nick Hurd has said the release of the UK's long-awaited Clean Growth Plan is now in a 'holding pattern' of new policy frameworks following Prime Minister Theresa May's decision to seek a snap general election.

The letter calls on the BEIS to “take advantage of the expertise and support of business” by launching a consultation on the plan

ClientEarth challenges Government to publish delayed emissions strategy

Environmental law firm ClientEarth has written to climate minister Nick Hurd, challenging him to outline timeframes for the delayed emissions reduction plan and launch a consultation to engage with businesses on the matter.

The report warns that CCS and nuclear - such as the Dukovany plant (pictured) - offer limited growth prospects compared to renewables

Europe's energy giants set to overshoot Paris Agreement 'carbon budget'

Europe's major utilities companies are "locked" into high emission projects, placing €14bn of earnings at risk unless they realign strategies with the goals of the Paris Agreement, a new CDP report has found.

Even under a worst-case scenario of the outlined transition, the report still expects GDP to grow by 0.6%

Energy transition of 'exceptional scope' can unlock $10trn annually

Global energy-related carbon emissions can be reduced by 70% by 2050, generating $10trn a year in benefits, if countries ramp-up national commitments to reach the goals of the Paris Agreement, a new report has found.

Cheaper gas has seen emissions from that area rise by 12.5% as a result, and emissions from oil also increased by 1.6%

UK carbon emissions fall by 5.8% in 2016, analysis finds

A huge decline in coal use saw national carbon emissions in the UK fall by 5.8% in 2016, reaching its lowest recorded levels in almost 100 years, analysts have claimed.

The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) is “deeply disappointed” with the Treasury’s inaction to adequately factor in long-term sustainability risks into its decisions

MPs 'deeply worried' about gaps between UK climate targets and policy delivery

The Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee has expressed its concern over the gaps between the UK's decarbonisation ambition and current policymaking, on the same day that the Treasury faced criticism from MPs for failing to improve its approach to environmental sustainability.

The Government told the EAC that it intends to base its carbon policy for the runway on scenarios that use assumptions about passenger use and demand

Report: Heathrow expansion will create a 'black hole' in future carbon budgets

The UK Government's lack of commentary on how it plans to mitigate the environmental impacts of the third runway expansion at Heathrow Airport could create a "black hole" in future carbon budgets, a new report has warned.

The current downward trend in emissions has placed the UK on track to surpass its second carbon budget, which requires a 29% reduction in emissions below 1990 levels

Coal phase-out sees UK emissions tumble by 4%

A fall in coal use, and subsequent rise in renewables and nuclear electricity sources, has been listed as a prime driver in the UK registering a 4% decline in carbon emissions in 2015, figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have revealed.

Nick Hurd has said that the Government will address carbon performances in the upcoming Emissions Reduction Plan, which the Climate Minister claimed would be released in the next few months

Nick Hurd: Brexit offers the flexibility to strengthen Britain's decarbonisation commitments

Climate Change Minister Nick Hurd has insisted that Brexit will give the UK the opportunity to look at the low-carbon transition through a "prism of national interests" that could lead to significant economic growth, but only if the Government can overcome multiple "difficult challenges".

The report praised past and existing UK Governments for creating strong policies for renewables, but noted that “unexpected” policy changes had stunted confidence in the sector

Green groups call for 'bold' Government action to ignite UK's low-carbon transition

The UK Government can embed a "world class" low-carbon environment that could mobilise significant investment streams, but only if current policy gaps and mixed legislative signals are addressed with "bold" action.

Sir David King expressed optimism about the opportunity to build on the momentum of the Paris Agreement's ratification

Sir David King: Businesses must ensure infrastructure investment is fit for purpose

EXCLUSIVE: The UK's Special Representative for Climate Change Sir David King has stressed the "critical" importance that the private sector matches the Government's climate obligations by investing in infrastructure "fit for purpose" in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Chisholm claimed that the new department would be better prepared to “repair” financing mechanisms to accelerate the low-carbon transition

BEIS aims to rollout emissions reduction plan in February

The permanent secretary for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Alex Chisholm revealed that he expects an emissions reduction plan to be published by the end of February 2017.

Meeting the UK’s Climate Change Act and living up to the Paris Agreement will require new and renewed green policies through the 2020s

Climate watchdog calls for 'concrete green policy action' amidst Paris Agreement and Brexit

Britain's green policies must be preserved or strengthened post-Brexit and a credible new strategy on low-carbon heat must be delivered as soon as possible, but it is still too early for the Government to adopt stricter targets for tackling climate change in line with the soon-to-be-ratified Paris Agreement, the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) has said.

ClientEarth states that the Government has failed to correct its course after admitting five years ago its policies would miss emissions targets by 187Mt CO2

ClientEarth: UK in breach of law over 'dangerously neglected' Climate Change Act

The UK Government must "revive" the Climate Change Act or face the "real risk" of missing future carbon budgets, environmental law firm ClientEarth has claimed.

edie has heard from more than a dozen leading environmental figures who have exclusively revealed their biggest green policy hopes and expectations for the next few months

What we want from BEIS: a wishlist for the green economy - Part one

EXCLUSIVE: In the first of a two-part feature, edie speaks to the sustainability professionals, politicians, businessmen and environmental activists working across the green economy to find out they want to see from the Government in this new Parliamentary session.

UK needs to invest £215bn in energy by 2030: Barclays

The UK will need to invest an "eye-watering" £215bn in its energy system by 2030 in order to replace aging assets and decarbonise, analysis by Barclays Research has found.

How ICT could lead the world in carbon reduction

Data published earlier this month by the UK Government revealed that the UK's carbon footprint rose by 3% between 2012 and 2013.

The report suggested that the Treasury failed to optimise the opportunity to encourage departments to work across Government on environmental issues

Decision to scrap CCS competition could add £30bn to UK carbon targets

The Government's cancellation of the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) competition could cost the UK an additional £30bn to meet its 2050 carbon targets, and is also likely to delay deployment of the technology until 2030, according to a report today (20 July) released by the National Audit Office (NAO).

As with the rest of his tenure, Cameron's Government took

David Cameron's legacy: 'greenest government ever' or 'lukewarm at best'?

One of the most seismic political upheavals in modern British political history takes yet another twist today (13 July) as Prime Minister David Cameron steps down after six years in power. As he prepares to take part in his final Prime Minister's Questions this lunchtime, edie takes a look at his environmental legacy and the green outlook for his successor Theresa May.

The story of sustainability, green policy and Brexit (in 24 hours)

For anyone working in, or remotely interested in, the worlds of sustainability and CSR, all of the setbacks, uncertainties, opportunities and successes of the green economy are encapsulated by what has happened over the past 24 hours.

Britain has a legally-binding target under the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive to produce 15% of all final energy consumption from renewable sources by 2020

UK will miss renewable energy target, warns National Grid

The UK is on track to miss a target to produce of 15% of all energy from renewables by 2020, National Grid has warned.

The Committee on Climate Change report calls for clear and consistent policies in the heating sector that are attractive to landlords and overcome behavioural barriers

Government must prioritise low-carbon heat and transport, says Committee on Climate Change

On the same day that Ministers accepted the proposals of the ambitious Fifth Carbon Budget, the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) has called for stronger Government action in the areas of heating, transport and low-carbon generation in its latest progress report.

The Government's decision has been applauded by the green business community for providing a clear and positive signal to renewable energy investors

"An important step forward": Green economy reacts to UK's Fifth Carbon Budget

Green businesses and industry groups have wholeheartedly welcomed the UK Government's adoption of ambitious recommendations for the Fifth Carbon Budget, claiming it shows signs of "much needed clarity" after the fallout from Brexit.

The UK Government has taken heed of advice from the Committee on Climate Change in setting ambitious emissions reduction levels under the Fifth Carbon Budget

Fifth Carbon Budget: UK Government sends positive message with ambitious emissions reduction plan

BREAKING: The UK Government has provided a much-needed confidence boost for the green economy by approving the Fifth Carbon Budget, taking heed of ambitious proposals from MPs to limit the annual emissions to 57% below 1990 levels by the year 2032.

Leadsom said the government’s commitment to cooperating with others to tackle the issue remains as strong as ever

Leadsom: Energy policy will not change due to Brexit

The UK's energy policy will not change as a result of the vote to leave European Union, energy minister Andrea Leadsom has said.

Life after Brexit: A new road for the green economy, but the destination remains the same

What a devastating week.

UK Energy Secretary Amber Rudd declared that the much anticipated Fifth carbon budget would be outlined on Thursday (30 June), which could establish carbon reductions commitments of 54% or more

Amber Rudd: Post-Brexit Britain will not step back from climate leadership

Energy Secretary Amber Rudd made a surprise appearance at the Business and Climate Summit in London today (29 June) to insist that the UK will not "turn its back" on the global battle to mitigate climate change, despite the nation voting to leave the European Union (EU) last week.

The UK is currently on track to outperform the Second and Third Carbon Budgets, but off track to meet the Fourth, with the Fifth needing to be set by the end of June

Sustainability professionals pile pressure on Government to accept Fifth Carbon Budget

A new survey has revealed that environmental and sustainability professionals are overwhelmingly in favour of recent recommendations for the UK's Fifth Carbon Budget, while separate academic report has concluded that the adoption of those proposals could help deliver long-term economic growth.

The known unknown of Britain's low-carbon progress

At last week's Effective Energy Management Conference, Rolls-Royce's director of energy gave a frightfully honest answer to a question about how his firm will reach an ambitious 50% energy reduction target.