Tomorrow MPs on the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee will question the Climate Change Committee (CCC) on whether the UK is making enough progress in reducing emissions and climate change mitigation.
In June, the CCC published its latest progress report, finding that the government was not moving fast enough to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and needed a more ambitious plan to electrify the UK.
Appearing before the Committee will be the CCC’s Chief Executive, Emma Pinchbeck, and Acting Director for Net Zero, Dr Eoin Devane.
MPs are likely to ask witnesses for their key messages to the new Prime Minister and Secretaries of State for energy and environment respectively, as well as the risks of the government’s current reliance on technology rather than behavioural change to deliver the Seventh Carbon Budget.
Other topics are likely to include:
- The UK’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs) including the potential weakening of targets for EV sales by 2030.
- Measures to decarbonise buildings such as the rollout of heat pumps.
- The electrification of industry and the risks of offshoring emissions.
- The scale-up of sustainable aviation fuels and the likelihood of measures to directly manage demand for flights.
- Agricultural emissions following the publication of plans such as the Land Use Framework and the 2050 Farming Roadmap.
Witnesses who will appear before the EAC from 14.30om onwards are:
- Emma Pinchbeck, Chief Executive, Climate Change Committee
- Dr Eoin Devane, Acting Director, Net Zero, Climate Change Committee
Last week Toby Perkins MP, Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee welcomed the Prime Minister’s commitment to attend COP31, saying:
“I welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment today that he will attend COP31. His appearance there a welcome sign that he understands the value of the UK leading the way in fighting climate change.
“What will be even more important is what he says when he gets there. I hope he will pledge the UK will join other nations in investing in the Tropical Forests Forever Facility, supercharging efforts around the world to boost biodiversity.
“I am also encouraged that he sees his commitment to reducing the cost of living as complementary to decarbonising motoring and heating, and so I’m pleased that he agreed with me about the vital importance of bringing down the high cost of electricity. “
Click here to watch the evidence session live on parliamentlive.tv or to catch up later
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