Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Carbon Budget Update

21 May 2024 · Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Proposed by Justin Tomlinson Con North Swindon

Climate

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • The UK over-delivered on its emissions reduction target by 15% for the Third Carbon Budget.
  • The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero has decided not to carry forward the over-performance to the Fourth Carbon Budget.
  • This decision reflects a commitment to achieving ambitious emissions targets without relying on international flexibilities.

Issue summary

The statement addresses the publication of the Final Statement of the Third Carbon Budget and confirms that the UK over-delivered on its emissions reduction target by 15%.

Action requested

The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero has decided to forego carrying forward any over-performance from the third carbon budget to the fourth, demonstrating a commitment to meeting ambitious emissions targets without relying on international flexibilities.

Key facts

  • The UK achieved a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2022 compared to the base year.
  • Provisional data for 2023 shows further progress beyond the target.
  • The Climate Change Act was passed in 2008 and amended in 2019 to increase ambition to net zero by 2050.
  • No international carbon units were used to meet the third carbon budget.
  • Over-performance from the third carbon budget will not be carried forward to the fourth.
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