The United Kingdom is setting a bold target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 81 per cent by 2035, compared to 1990 levels. This announcement was made by Prime Minister Keir Starmer at COP29 in Baku. The goal is part of the UK’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) to the Paris Agreement, which aims to keep global temperature rise well below 2°C, ideally at 1.5°C.
About Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
NDCs are national climate action plans that countries submit every five years. They outline how each nation plans to meet its climate goals under the Paris Agreement. The UK’s new NDC will be submitted in 2025 and is expected to reflect an important commitment to climate action.
Climate Change Committee’s Role
The Climate Change Committee (CCC) is a key advisory body for the UK government. It provides recommendations on emissions targets and monitors progress in reducing greenhouse gases. The CCC has endorsed the UK’s new NDC, stating that it aligns with a pathway to limit warming to 1.5ºC.
Need for Action
While the new NDC is ambitious, experts stress the importance of translating targets into concrete actions. The Climate Action Tracker has urged the UK to accelerate policy development to ensure the credibility of its targets.
Challenges Ahead
The current NDC for 2030 has been rated as Insufficient. This rating indicates that substantial improvements are necessary to align with the climate goals. The UK government must enhance its climate policies and actions .
Investment in Carbon Capture and Storage
The UK plans to invest £22 billion in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. CCS aims to capture carbon dioxide emissions from sources and store them underground. However, experts warn that reliance on fossil fuels could hinder the transition to net-zero emissions by 2050.
Concerns Over Fossil Fuel Dependence
Despite ambitious climate goals, the UK continues to explore oil and gas resources, particularly in the North Sea. This approach raises concerns about locking the country into fossil fuel dependence, which could undermine its climate commitments.
International Obligations and Future Goals
The UK’s NDC submission in 2025 must incorporate sectoral targets aligned with scientific recommendations and international commitments. The World Wildlife Fund has emphasised the need for transformation in food systems and nature conservation as part of this effort.
Global Implications
The 2024 UN Emissions Gap report warns that without more ambitious pledges, the world could face a temperature rise of up to 2.6°C by the century’s end. This marks the urgent need for all countries to enhance their climate action.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the impact of the Paris Agreement on global climate action.
- Estimate the role of carbon capture and storage technologies in achieving net-zero emissions.
- Point out the implications of the UK’s fossil fuel exploration on its climate commitments.
- What are the challenges faced by countries in meeting their Nationally Determined Contributions? Discuss with examples.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the impact of the Paris Agreement on global climate action.
The Paris Agreement has influenced global climate action by establishing a framework for countries to set and achieve emissions reduction targets. It encourages nations to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) every five years, encouraging accountability and ambition. However, the effectiveness of the Agreement is challenged by the disparity in commitments and actions among countries. While it has galvanized international cooperation, many nations still fall short of their targets, risking a global temperature rise beyond 1.5°C. Therefore, while the Agreement is a critical step, its success hinges on robust implementation and enhanced commitments.
2. Estimate the role of carbon capture and storage technologies in achieving net-zero emissions.
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies play important role in achieving net-zero emissions by capturing carbon dioxide from industrial processes and storing it underground. With the UK planning a £22 billion investment in CCS, it is seen as a vital tool to mitigate emissions from hard-to-abate sectors, such as cement and steel production. However, reliance on CCS alone may not suffice; it must be part of a broader strategy that includes reducing fossil fuel use and transitioning to renewable energy sources. While CCS can help, it should not delay necessary systemic changes towards sustainability.
3. Point out the implications of the UK’s fossil fuel exploration on its climate commitments.
The UK’s ongoing fossil fuel exploration, particularly in the North Sea, poses important implications for its climate commitments. By pursuing oil and gas resources, the UK risks locking itself into fossil fuel dependence, undermining its ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets. This exploration contradicts the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. It raises questions about the credibility of the UK’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and its commitment to the Paris Agreement, potentially leading to increased emissions and a setback in global climate action efforts.
4. What are the challenges faced by countries in meeting their Nationally Determined Contributions? Discuss with examples.
Countries face multiple challenges in meeting their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), including political, economic, and social factors. For instance, the UK has been rated “Insufficient” in its current NDC, denoting the need for substantial policy improvements. Economic reliance on fossil fuels can hinder transitions to renewables, as seen in nations like Australia and Canada, where fossil fuel industries have important political influence. Additionally, developing countries often struggle with limited financial resources and technology access, making it difficult to implement ambitious climate actions. These factors create a complex landscape for achieving global climate goals effectively.
