Major Emission Reduction by 2040 Primarily Depends on Surface Transport, Suggest UK Climate Experts
The Climate Change Committee, an advisory body for the U.K. government on climate-related matters, has unveiled its Seventh Carbon Budget. This budget aims to slash emissions by an astounding 87% compared to 1990 levels by 2040. The primary strategy for achieving this goal is electrification, accounting for an impressive 60% of overall emissions reductions[1].
This electrification push will include the replacement of fossil-fuel vehicles with electric ones, leading to a Nearly 100% shift of new car and van sales to fully electric options by 2030[1]. By 2040, these EVs are projected to make up over three-quarters of the total vehicles on the road[1].
Beyond the transportation sector, the Climate Change Committee expects 27% of the total emissions reduction to come from surface transport and 5% from aviation[1]. The energy sector will contribute 12%, as the electricity supply becomes more decarbonized[1]. By 2050, industrial emissions are expected to almost completely disappear[2].
This transformation isn't limited to vehicular emissions. The CCC highlights the importance of heat pumps in reducing residential heating emissions, aiming to increase installations from 60,000 in 2023 to 450,000 in 2030 and ultimately to 1.5 million by 2035[2].
The CCC's blueprint also incorporates technological and economic strategies. Carbon Capture and Hydrogen technologies will play crucial roles in challenging industries, while digital technologies could potentially cut emissions by 20% across all sectors[3].
The committee emphasizes that these decarbonization investments will generate net economic benefits, saving money in the long run[1]. However, it's essential to create a pathway accessible and affordable for households, focusing on domestic carbon reduction techniques rather than relying on international credits[2].
Public support for tackling climate change is strong, as noted by a representative citizens’ panel convened by the committee[1]. The panel was prepared to consider ambitious measures, demonstrating the public's interest in reducing emissions and mitigating climate change impacts.
Ministers now have until June 2023 to respond to these findings, ensuring actionable measures are implemented to meet these long-term emissions reduction targets[1]. It's crucial to encourage sustainable transportation options, such as low-cost, low-carbon buses, rail, and safe spaces for walking and cycling, to ultimately improve air quality, reduce congestion, and promote a cleaner, more sustainable future[5].
The Climate Change Committee advises saying goodbye to high emissions by pushing for a shift to electric vehicles, aiming for nearly 100% of new car and van sales to be fully electric by 2030. This is part of the committee's plan to achieve 87% emissions reductions by 2040, as outlined in the Seventh Carbon Budget. To accomplish this sustainability goal, the committee advises focusing on decarbonization strategies across various sectors, such as surface transport and energy, which could account for up to 27% and 12% of emissions reductions, respectively.
