header-logo header-logo

18 March 2020 / Martin Baxter , Safia Iman
Issue: 7879 / Categories: Features , Environment
printer mail-detail

Net zero 2050: the countdown

With the UK currently not on track to meet legally-binding net-zero carbon targets, Martin Baxter & Safia Iman consider how successive governments can be held to account
  • The Climate Change Act 2008 includes a long-term 2050 target, together with a process for setting legally-binding carbon budgets.

Growing public interest in climate change and the environment raises important questions in terms of government accountability.

Poor air quality, declining biodiversity, plastic waste and climate change are significant long-term challenges which will require concerted effort from government and investment over the long-term to make the necessary improvements. Politicians are in the public glare as the public demands immediate action to what essentially are deep-rooted systemic problems that transcend political cycles; a position made harder by declining levels of trust in politics.

Additionally, the UK is not on track to meet the legally-binding net-zero carbon targets set, if this is not addressed with some urgency, it may result in higher economic costs.

Balancing the need for

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

EIP—Stuart Malcolm

EIP—Stuart Malcolm

EIP strengthens Commercial practice with a new partner

Ellisons—Francesca Brown

Ellisons—Francesca Brown

Ellisons welcomes Francesca Brown to Family team

Shakespeare Martineau—Marie Bourke

Shakespeare Martineau—Marie Bourke

Shakespeare Martineau strengthens Sheffield regulatory practice with new hires

NEWS
A wide-ranging Civil Way column highlights developments from insolvency procedure to employment law, but one case stands out for its lessons on bankruptcy, family homes and digital communications
A sprawling Intellectual Property Office battle between House of Fraser and Frasers Property has delivered a masterclass in modern trade mark law
Courts in England and Wales and Singapore are increasingly confronting complex disputes over international child relocation as families become more globally mobile
The government’s long-awaited family law reform consultation could mark a turning point for domestic abuse victims navigating financial remedy proceedings, but significant challenges remain
A new commercial court pilot giving the public access to documents used in hearings, including expert reports, is raising difficult questions about transparency and privacy
back-to-top-scroll