The Climate Change Act was passed in 2008 and forms the basis for the UK’s approach to tackling and responding to climate change. It sets a legally binding target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 100% of 1990 levels (net zero) by 2050.
The Act also establishes a framework for delivering on this target, including:
- Setting carbon budgets, which are five-year limits on emissions
- Requiring the government to develop and implement policies to meet the carbon budgets
- Establishing the Climate Change Committee, an independent body that provides advice and recommendations to the government on climate change
