Andy Burnham has spoken on the UK’s Net Zero targets in a rare statement on our energy and sustainability.
On the contrary to his political competitors’ beliefs, he said it is no longer possible for Britons to believe they are not already affected by a changing climate.
In an article for The Guardian about new plans for community-led projects, he said the UK must “believe in itself”. He mentioned the promise Labour made during elections surrounding the UK meeting net zero by 2050, saying he is determined to meet that commitment.
This is still a topic of argument in the energy industry, with some professionals believing the target will be met and other in disagreement.
Sarah Kimpton, co-author of DNV 2026 UK Energy Transition Outlook, forecasts that the UK will still not have reached net zero by 2050 – yet the Climate Change Committee says current government plans are not yet sufficient to put the UK on the appropriate trajectory to net zero by 2050. However, in a situation where rapid changes are made, they could be hit.
Meanwhile, Burnham is facing difficult decisions over Jackdaw and Rosebank oil and gas fields in the North Sea. Approving either would put Burnham under even more pressure regarding his net zero commitments.
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