The last 12 months were the hottest since records began and scientists forecast global average temperatures will exceed 1.5C above pre industrial levels as soon as 2033.Let’s start with some good news. The UK has dramatically cut emissions over the last 30 years. Down nearly 50% from 1990.
Current policies, they say, are “insufficient” and the High Court last month ruled the government’s plans to get to Net Zero are currently "unlawful".The Conservatives and Labour are committed to reach Net Zero - where we don’t emit any more carbon than the planet naturally absorbs by 2050. There are potentially large reserves in the UK but many are worried about the environmental impact of extracting it.Different parties define ‘clean power ‘in different ways. Labour and the Conservatives include renewables and nuclear.The Greens and SNP also exclude nuclear power but their calculation of power demands include more things like transport. As a result their targets may sound less ambitious. SNP are aiming for 50% by 2030, The Greens target is 100% by 2035.Greens and SNP aren’t.