The Committee on Climate Change has published its first annual report to Parliament. The report assesses progress in reducing UK emissions over the past year and sets out its recommendations for securing a green economic recovery. The report discusses all three pillars of sustainability considering actions that achieve positive environmental, social and economic outcomes.
The report finds that global emissions are expected to fall by a record 5-10% in 2020. However the Committee notes that this is only likely to be temporary and that the pandemic has presented new threats to the net zero target as, for example, social distancing results in a decrease in the use of public transport.
The report highlights some progress over the last 12 months, with new commitments to reduce emissions to net-zero by local authorities and private companies. However, it also notes that progress to adapt any build climate resilience remains "significantly off track".
The Committee believes that lessons must be learned on the importance of planning for the systemic risk posed by climate change; and that the pandemic and subsequent economic recovery could be a defining moment in the fight against climate change. It warns that poor management of the recovery with short term measures could lead to a long term increase in emissions, whereas a "green stimulus" package could have both short and long term benefits.
The report highlights five priorities for investment:
The Committee has also highlighted other sustainability issues that should be addressed, including a range of social measures to support both the move a net-zero economy and the post-pandemic recovery:
This comprehensive report also sets out the Committee's Broad Path towards net-zero and sets specific actions for Government departments.