UK Pushes Ahead With 87% Emissions Reduction Goal by 2040
Takeaways
- Britain has announced a new target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 87% by 2040 compared to 1990 levels.
- The government says clean energy expansion will reduce dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets and support job creation.
- Experts say achieving the target will require major investment in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and low-carbon technologies.
Britain has unveiled an ambitious new climate goal, pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 87% by 2040 compared to 1990 levels. The move forms part of the country’s broader strategy to achieve net zero emissions and strengthen energy security amid continued global fuel market instability.
The Labour government said the new target would help shield households and businesses from rising fossil fuel costs while boosting investment in clean energy industries.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said recent global events had shown the risks of relying heavily on fossil fuels. Britain has already experienced major energy price shocks linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, while ongoing tensions in the Middle East have added fresh pressure to global fuel supplies this year.
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The impact is already being felt by consumers. Millions of households across Britain are expected to see energy bills rise by 13% from July after energy regulator Ofgem increased its price cap following higher wholesale gas prices.
According to the government, expanding clean homegrown power is the best way to protect the economy from future price volatility. Officials also argue that the transition to renewable energy could create significant employment opportunities across the country.
A report published by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, supported by analysis from the Confederation of British Industries Economics, found that the UK’s net zero economy currently supports more than one million jobs.
However, the government has not yet provided detailed policies explaining exactly how the 2040 emissions reduction target will be achieved. Ministers said a full delivery plan would be released after Parliament formally approves the target.
Climate experts say meeting the goal will require large-scale changes across several sectors. This includes greater investment in renewable energy, electric vehicles, heat pumps, and other low-carbon technologies.
The Climate Change Committee has also suggested that lifestyle changes may play an important role. Reduced meat consumption, lower aviation emissions, and fewer flights could be necessary unless sustainable aviation fuels become widely available.
Debate over Britain’s energy future remains politically divisive. Some groups are pushing for increased domestic oil and gas production to strengthen energy security, while others believe faster adoption of renewable energy is the only long-term solution.
The opposition Conservative Party last year withdrew support for the country’s 2050 net zero target, arguing that the goal was unrealistic and too costly.
Britain has already made substantial progress in reducing emissions. Government figures show greenhouse gas emissions have fallen by around 54% since 1990. Emissions also dropped by 2% in 2025, largely due to reduced industrial activity and blast furnace closures in the iron and steel sectors.
Also Read: Net Zero 2040: ClimeCo Steps Into The Climate Pledge
The new 2040 target places Britain among the countries pursuing aggressive climate action as governments worldwide face increasing pressure to address rising temperatures and strengthen energy resilience.
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Source: Reuters
