header-logo header-logo

Net zero 2050: the countdown

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

NLJ Career Profile: Kate Gaskell, Flex Legal

NLJ Career Profile: Kate Gaskell, Flex Legal

Kate Gaskell, CEO of Flex Legal, reflects on chasing her childhood dreams underscores the importance of welcoming those from all backgrounds into the profession

Dorsey & Whitney—Jonathan Christy

Dorsey & Whitney—Jonathan Christy

Dispute resolution team welcomes associate in London

Winckworth Sherwood—Kevin McManamon

Winckworth Sherwood—Kevin McManamon

Special education needs and mental capacity expert joins as partner

NEWS
Overcrowded prisons, mental health hospitals and immigration centres are failing to meet international and domestic human rights standards, the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) has warned
Two speedier and more streamlined qualification routes have been launched for probate and conveyancing professionals
Workplace stress was a contributing factor in almost one in eight cases before the employment tribunal last year, indicating its endemic grip on the UK workplace
Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School highlights a turbulent end to 2025 in the civil courts, from the looming appeal in Mazur to judicial frustration with ever-expanding bundles, in his final NLJ 'The insider' column of the year
Antonia Glover of Quinn Emanuel outlines sweeping transparency reforms following the work of the Transparency and Open Justice Board in this week's NLJ
back-to-top-scroll