The United Kingdom’s goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 has now become law, making the UK the world’s first G7 country to establish this form of legally binding target, Reuters reported.
The United Kingdom’s goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 has now become law, making the UK the world’s first G7 country to establish this form of legally binding target, Reuters reported. The target was announced earlier this month by outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May, who called it a “crucial” plan for protecting the planet.
The 2050 goal, which replaces a previous target to slash emissions 80 percent below 1990 levels by the same deadline, has been added as an amendment to the UK’s 2008 Climate Change Act. It will require Britain to add vast amounts of renewable energy, phase out fossil fuel vehicles by 2035, and cut beef and lamb consumption by 20 percent. The country has already cut its greenhouse emissions by 43.5 percent since 1990, largely due to its rapid shift away from coal and other fossil fuel-based electricity to renewable energy sources such as solar and offshore wind.
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