British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has drawn fierce criticism for his suggestion to extend a target for reducing the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions until 2035.
Sunak proposed delaying the target, set by the government in 2011, during a recent speech. He said the move would give the “enforcement powers” time to catch up with the targets. But environmental groups have slammed the suggestion, saying it sends a dangerous signal that the UK government is not serious about taking on climate change.
The current target requires the UK to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent compared to the 1990s levels by 2050. However, Sunak has proposed an extension of the timeline until 2035. This, according to Greenpeace, shows that the government’s anti-green drive has gone too far.
Under the proposed timeline, the UK would be at least 15 years behind other major economies such as the EU, which has set a 2030 target. The environmentalist group says the suggestion will damage the UK’s international climate leadership and will reduce ambition in crucial areas such as renewable energy, low emissions transport and energy efficiency.
Greenpeace UK’s executive director, John Sauven, said: “Extending the timeline for the UK’s commitment on emissions is kickstarting an anti-green drive that is not only irresponsible and reckless, but is out of step with the UK’s climate commitments.”
Indeed, the UK is currently falling drastically short of its existing targets, with emissions increasing for the first time in four years during 2019. Critics argue that this proposal shows that the Government is not taking climate change seriously.
It is clear that Sunak’s suggestion to delay this important target in combatting the global climate crisis is something the UK should not accept. Greenpeace has urged the Prime Minister to reverse his decision and to show real commitment to tackling climate change.