STATEMENT: UK's Ambitious Climate Plan Propels the Country to Net Zero and Sets Example for the World
LONDON (January 30, 2025) — Today, the United Kingdom put forward its ambitious new national climate plan, with a commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 81% from 1990 levels and deliver a net zero economy by 2035.
First announced at COP29 in November, this target aligns with the UK's Climate Change Committee's advice and the UK's Climate Change Act to reach net zero emissions by 2050. The UK is the sixth country to submit its new plan, also known as its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, ahead of the UN deadline of February 2025.
Following is a statement from Edward Davey, Head of World Resources Institute's UK Office:
“The United Kingdom has laid out a clear, detailed plan to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, dial down fossil fuels, power up clean energy, and reform food and land use. Key commitments — such as exploring a ban on new fossil fuel exploration licenses, ending petrol car sales by 2030, which is five years earlier than the EU, and accelerating renewables — show that the UK means business on climate action. The UK's NDC is an encouraging sign of leadership, especially following the US’ step back, and will hopefully catalyze a new wave of ambition from other countries.
"The plan puts people at the heart of the climate transition, which is key for its long-term success. It will lower electricity bills, increase innovation, and build a strong future for the country with jobs in emerging industries. In an increasingly uncertain world, it strengthens the UK’s resilience to a changing climate and helps provide long-term energy security.
"The UK’s reaffirmation of its £11.6 billion international climate finance commitments for 2025–2026, including £3 billion for nature, is reassuring amid global aid budget pressures. This funding will be key to the success of initiatives such as the Global Clean Power Alliance and the UK’s ongoing work to address tropical deforestation in partnership with forest nations.
"While today’s announcement is impressive, attention now turns to the 6th Carbon Budget Delivery Plan, which is expected to provide detailed guidance for delivering the NDC. Critical decisions remain, particularly on aviation, biofuels, diets and farming. The government's stance on new oil and gas licenses — aligned with commitments first made at COP26 at Glasgow — will be closely watched.
"In the coming months, it will be vitally important for the UK government to follow up on today’s ambitious NDC with clear policy signals, concrete delivery plans, and budget decisions aligned with the commitments set out today.”