How the UK can lead the world in cutting emissions
The global call to action on climate change is clear – to have any chance of limiting warming to 1.5°C, we must reduce global greenhouse gas emissions to at least 43 per cent below 2019 levels by 2030.
For this to happen, immediate action has to ensure that global emissions peak before 2025 and are then rapidly and permanently reduced for the rest of the decade. Meeting this target will require substantial reductions in global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, but there are a number of other greenhouse gases that contribute significantly to climate change and these must also be addressed.
Together, methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), F-gases and ozone-depleting substances (ODS) make up more than one-quarter of our annual greenhouse gas emissions globally. To avoid catastrophic climate change, rapid and sustained reductions are also required in emissions of these gases, many of which are short-lived climate pollutants (SLCP) that have a disproportionate impact on warming in the near term.
If the UK intends to uphold its commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and demonstrate climate leadership, fast action on climate super-pollutants must be prioritised.