United Kingdom
The United Kingdom falls four spots but still ranks 11th in this year’s CCPI edition, placing it among the high performers. The UK earns a medium in the Renewable Energy and Climate Policy categories and high ratings in GHG Emissions and Energy Use.
Policy framework to phase out oil and gas extraction is needed
The UK government is committing to phasing out coal power by 2024. The country plans to double its use of renewables within 15 years. There is also a mandate to end the sale of new petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles by 2030. The CCPI experts see these commitments as key climate policy strengths. The experts, however, criticise the UK for its lack of a policy framework to phase out oil and gas extraction. The government continues to use fossil fuel subsidies, despite the call in the COP27 Glasgow Climate Pact to phase them out for their inefficiency.
After Norway, the UK is Europe’s second-largest oil and gas producer. The main demands the experts express were to end fossil fuel extraction, push for more energy efficiency in buildings, electrify heating and transport, and scale-up renewables.
Net Zero should be reached by 2045
The UK has taken the lead in international climate policy in some areas and helped launch many international pledges as president at COP27. The experts welcome the lead the country has taken. However, they note that there has been little follow up regarding these pledges. The country’s commitment to reach net zero by 2050 has been criticised and the experts suggested 2045 or earlier for a new net-zero target (Scotland has committed to 2045).
Key Outcomes
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CCPI experts
The following national experts agreed to be mentioned as contributors for this year’s CCPI:
