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Devon sports clubs recognised for positive impact

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 8:53 GMT by BBC
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Britain Sets Bold New Climate Ambitions: A 2050 Net‑Zero Plan with Immediate Measures

London, 24 May 2024 – In a sweeping policy announcement that has sparked both acclaim and debate, the UK government unveiled a comprehensive strategy to reach net‑zero greenhouse‑gas emissions by 2050. The new plan, revealed at a ceremony at 10 Downing Street, builds on the country’s existing commitments under the Paris Agreement and introduces a series of immediate actions designed to accelerate the transition to a low‑carbon economy.

The Core of the Plan

At the heart of the strategy is an ambitious target to reduce emissions by 78 % from 1990 levels by 2035—an increase in the ambition level set by the 2022 Climate Change Act. The government will also establish a legally binding framework that requires all public sector bodies to publish detailed emissions‑reduction plans and to report on progress annually. This move is intended to create a “culture of accountability” that extends beyond the government to the private sector, civil society, and academia.

In addition to the long‑term target, the policy outlines a series of “low‑hanging fruit” measures that are expected to deliver significant cuts within the next two years:

1. Free EV Charging Infrastructure – The Department for Transport will roll out a nationwide network of free, open‑access electric‑vehicle (EV) charging points by 2025, prioritising high‑traffic corridors and public transport hubs.
2. Renewable Energy Subsidies – A new “Green Energy Fund” will provide grants and low‑interest loans to households that install rooftop solar panels or invest in community wind projects.
3. Stricter Building Codes – All new homes built from 2025 onwards will be required to meet a “net‑zero” standard, with retrofitting subsidies for older properties to improve insulation and heating systems.
4. Carbon Pricing Expansion – The existing carbon tax on heavy industry will be extended to cover shipping and aviation, aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of the UK’s transportation sector.

Policy Instruments and Funding

The government will tap a multi‑trillion‑pound pot of public finance, drawn from a blend of carbon tax revenues, a modest increase in the corporation tax rate, and a dedicated “Climate Resilience Fund.” This fund will finance climate‑adaptation projects in vulnerable regions, such as coastal flood defenses and wildfire‑resilient agriculture. The policy also introduces a “Green Investment Bank” aimed at mobilising private capital for large‑scale renewable projects.

A key feature of the plan is the “Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism” (CBAM), which will impose a fee on imported goods based on their carbon intensity. The mechanism is designed to prevent “carbon leakage” and to level the playing field for UK manufacturers who bear the costs of meeting the new regulations.

Reactions from Stakeholders

Supportive Voices

• Sustainability Experts – Dr. Emma Kaye, a climate scientist at Imperial College London, praised the plan as “a major step forward, especially the commitment to net‑zero by 2035.” She noted that the policy’s binding nature is crucial for long‑term investor confidence.
• Green Party – The party’s leader, Jonathan Ashworth, welcomed the government’s “bold move” but called for even more aggressive actions, such as a “rapid phase‑out of coal and gas plants” by 2028.

Criticism and Concerns

• Business Groups – The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) warned that the CBAM could increase costs for UK companies that rely on imported raw materials. The CBI called for a gradual implementation of the mechanism to avoid sudden market shocks.
• Environmental NGOs – While acknowledging the overall ambition, Greenpeace UK expressed concerns that the policy does not adequately address biodiversity loss or the social impact on communities that rely on fossil‑fuel industries.

Follow‑Up Links and Further Information

• For a detailed breakdown of the emissions‑reduction pathways, the government’s website hosts a “Net Zero 2050” interactive dashboard (link: https://www.gov.uk/net-zero-2050).
• The Green Energy Fund guidelines and application process can be found on the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy portal (link: https://www.gov.uk/green-energy-fund).
• The CBAM’s legal framework and the proposed tariff rates are available in the official legislative text (link: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2024/15).
• Independent analyses from the Carbon Tracker Initiative provide a critique of the CBAM’s potential trade‑implications (link: https://carbontracker.org/cbam-review).

Looking Ahead

The announcement marks a pivotal moment for the UK’s environmental policy. While the government has set a clear trajectory towards net‑zero, the success of the plan will hinge on its implementation, the cooperation of businesses and consumers, and the ability to adapt to unforeseen scientific or economic developments. As the country embarks on this ambitious journey, the international community will watch closely, assessing whether the UK’s measures can serve as a model for other nations seeking to meet their climate commitments.

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