On 13 January 2023, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) published its independent review; “Mission Zero: Independent Review of net zero”. This review looks at the Government’s approach to delivering its net zero target. By way of background, under the Climate Change Act 2008, the UK has a legally binding target to achieve a net zero reduction in greenhouse gases by 2050. Last year, following a successful judicial review challenge from Friends of the Earth, ClientEarth and Good Law Project, the High Court decided that the Net Zero Strategy that the Government published in 2021 was inadequate and needed updating.
The review itself contains 129 recommendations and is split into two parts; part one explains the opportunities to individuals and the economy in the wider context of the world and talks about how the UK must go further and faster to realise the economic benefits of net zero, and part two sets out how to achieve this opportunity by making recommendations across the following six pillars:
- The enabling infrastructure to deliver net zero
- Clean power
- Economic opportunities
- Unlocking the relationship between local and central government
- The role of individuals
- The future: how we ensure we achieve net zero.
This is only intended to be a summary and not specific legal advice. If you would like further information or advice, please do contact a member of our team.
