Norwegian risk manager DNV has issued a stark warning: the United Kingdom is on track to miss its decarbonization targets for both 2030 and 2050.
Under the Paris Agreement, the UK committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 68% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. However, DNV's latest report forecasts a reduction of only 55% by that year.
\"Without immediate action the UK will fail to deliver on its climate commitments, fall behind in the global race to decarbonize,\" stated Hari Vamadevan, DNV's Executive Vice President and Regional Director for UK & Ireland.
Looking further ahead, the UK's legally binding target is to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, based on 1990 levels. DNV projects that by 2050, annual emissions will stand at 125 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, representing an 85% reduction rather than the intended 100%.
The report highlights that the transport and buildings sectors will remain the largest contributors to emissions in 2050. Additionally, recent government decisions, such as delaying the ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles to 2035, are anticipated to hinder progress. DNV emphasizes that a significant portion of vehicles, especially commercial ones, will continue to rely on fossil fuels, and the aviation sector will remain a major emitter due to the slow adoption of low-carbon fuels.
DNV's findings underscore the urgent need for the UK to accelerate its climate strategies to meet its international and national commitments.
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DNV prediction: UK set to miss near, long term emissions targets
cgtn.com
