Path to net zero depends on political consensus

The first UK-wide citizens’ assembly on climate change has published its final report setting out a clear, internally consistent and timely path for how the UK can reach its legally binding target of net zero emissions by 2050.

The report, The path to net zero, issues strong calls to Parliament and the government to rise to the challenge of achieving the net zero target in a clear, accountable way. Commissioned by six House of Commons Select Committees, the assembly said that it is ‘imperative that there is strong and clear leadership from government’ and ‘forge a cross-party consensus that allows for certainty, long-term planning and a phased transition’.

In order to help the UK achieve net zero emissions by 2050, the assembly proposed curbing road building and using the pandemic to cut emissions, as well as introducing a frequent flyer tax and cleaner aviation technology.

The report also conveys assembly members’ agreement on themes that recurred throughout their discussions, on the need for: improved information and education for all on climate change; fairness, including across sectors, geographies, incomes and health; freedom and choice for individuals and local areas; and strong leadership from government.

Welcoming the publication of the report, Darren Jones, chair of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Select Committee, said: “This is an extremely important contribution to the debate on how the UK reaches our net zero target and I hope it gives impetus to policy makers to take bold action to reduce our emissions. The range of voices within these pages reflect our population. The fact that assembly members have been able to arrive at clear recommendations whilst respecting each others' values and experiences sets an example for us all. Participants speak of their learning, how they clarified their views and their respect for each other’s perspectives, even when they didn’t agree. Their voices are front and centre, just as they should be.

“It is vital that Parliament and government examine and use the recommendations which the Assembly sets out today. Assembly members agree that the task of reaching net zero is a responsibility shared by all generations and we thank them for doing just that, giving up their time to listen, understand, debate and propose solutions which are underpinned by a desire to be fair to everyone in our society, and to retain freedom and choice for individuals and local areas wherever possible.”

Chris Stark, chief executive of the Committee on Climate Change, said: “Climate Assembly UK has shown there is broad support for climate action in the UK, and we strongly welcome its findings. Where possible, we will draw on the assembly’s views in our forthcoming advice to government on the Sixth Carbon Budget. The views of the Assembly are useful in two ways. They help inform the scenarios we are developing to demonstrate how the UK can reach Net Zero emissions, and they are particularly useful in considering the policies that will help achieve the goal. It’s a real step forward to have this new insight.”