Chris Stark: Rishi Sunak's Climate Policy Sets UK Back, Warns Head of Climate Change Committee
The head of the UK's Climate Change Committee, Chris Stark, criticized Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for not prioritizing climate change as much as his predecessors, stating that Sunak's actions have "set us back" and weakened the UK's position in the global fight against climate change.
Stark accused Sunak of sending a message that the UK is now "less ambitious" on climate action.
The government responded by emphasizing its record on net zero emissions.
The text suggests that there is growing concern that the UK's commitment to reducing carbon emissions may be waning under Sunak's leadership.
The UK government, under Rishi Sunak, has been criticized for appearing less ambitious on climate targets after missing a deadline to submit a plan to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
Net zero means no longer adding to the total amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
The UK is legally bound to this target and the Climate Change Committee (CCC) provides independent advice on progress.
The government defended its record, stating it has already halved greenhouse gas emissions since 1990 and set a target to reduce emissions from manufacturing by about two-thirds by 2035.
The UK government, led by Mr. Sunak, has taken actions to reach net zero emissions goals while ensuring energy security, easing burdens on people, and providing transparency.
However, critics argue that recent decisions, such as delaying a ban on new petrol and diesel cars and weakening targets on phasing out gas boilers, may set back progress towards a sustainable and green policy.
Mr. Stark, an environmental advocate, expressed his concern about these decisions during an interview.