UK NDC needs to be supported by comprehensive net zero delivery plan

Reacting to the Prime Minister’s announcement that the UK will set its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to at least 68% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by the end of the decade, Signe Norberg, Head of Public Affairs and Communications at the Aldersgate Group, said: “It is welcome to see the UK announce a NDC which aligns with the Climate Change Committee’s advice and paves the way for achieving our net zero emissions target by 2050. As host of COP26, the UK should galvanise international action on emissions reductions, setting an ambitious precedent for others to follow. For today’s commitment to be credible and facilitate business progress towards decarbonisation, it needs to be paired with a comprehensive and joined-up net zero strategy which builds on the Prime Minister’s 10 Point Plan.”

Signe Norberg added: “The government now needs to back this up with clear domestic measures to drive down emissions in hard to abate sectors, such as heavy industry and long-distance transport, and in sectors that are currently not covered by the NDC like shipping and aviation. Creating a robust regulatory framework and the market mechanisms to facilitate at-scale deployment of key technologies will be essential in the months to come.”