Published: April 27, 2021
MOSCOW, April 27 (Sputnik), Jonathan Rowson – UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson last week committed his country to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 78 percent by 2035, a new, more ambitious target, and sustainability experts told Sputnik that achieving this goal could only be possible if ministers, businesses, and consumers make a concerted effort to change their habits.
Johnson has made several climate pledges since being re-elected almost 18 months ago. Theresa May, Johnson’s predecessor, issued a commitment in 2019 to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and the current prime minister has doubled down on these climate action goals.
Last week, Johnson said that he would legislate new emissions targets, setting the bar at a 78 percent reduction of carbon emissions, according to 1990 levels, over the next 14 years. Previously, the United Kingdom had been on track to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 68 percent by 2030.
Speakers
Mark Sait, CEO of the UK-based SaveMoneyCutCarbon sustainability portal.
“It is not down to the government alone to come up with a solution or fix. The key is twofold; firstly it lies in the world of finance starting with the big banks and investment houses but they still seem to be stuck in a circle of launching grand ESG [environmental, social, and governance] statements, ring fencing billions in a green pot, but not doing much ‘execution’ on the ground,” Sait remarked.
Knight Sukthaworn, an associate principal at economic consultancy firm Charles River Associates.
“There are many solutions currently competing to decarbonise those sectors including hydrogen and electric solutions. Some solutions are already available but not commercially competitive, whereas others are close to being available, but the commercial model remains unclear,” Sukthaworn said.
Jonathan Rowson 