Comment on Climate Change Committee Progress Report

"The Committee’s message is clear: the UK has a strong net zero strategy, but the Government needs to back its words with action to accelerate the clean transition if we’re to find a way out of the cost-of-living crisis, shield ourselves from future gas crises, and avoid the cost of further climate change.

“Whilst the Government is already doubling down on success stories such as offshore wind that’s built a new industry and delivered massive cost savings, it’s missing a trick by not supporting onshore wind that’s hugely popular with the public and insulation that would cut heating bills and reduce our exposure to volatile fossil fuel markets. None of this is new – we just need to get on and do it.

On land use, Matt Williams, Climate and Land Programme Lead at ECIU, said:

"The way we care for our land is always the bridesmaid, never the bride, so to speak, in the Government's net zero plans. Once again it’s been singled out by the Committee for special mention. It's time for them to get the same kind of low-carbon overhaul that other sectors, like transport and energy, are benefitting from.

“Until that happens, farmers will remain exposed to volatile oil and gas prices that also drive up the cost of fertilisers. Our land will continue to leak emissions unless we restore peatlands and plant the forests Government has committed to create."