The U.K.'s big new emissions target
- Ben Geman, author of Axios Generate
Theresa May on June 11, 2019 in London. Photo: Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images
Outgoing British Prime Minister Theresa May yesterday floated a proposal to require the country to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Why it matters: The plan would make the U.K. the first G7 nation to "legislate for net zero emissions," her office said in announcing the legally binding proposal.
What's next: Multiple reports, like this BBC story, signal the legislation has political buy-in.
- "There is broad political support from the main opposition Labour and Scottish National parties as well as the Liberal Democrats," Bloomberg notes.
But, but, but: "This is just the starting gun. Now the real challenge begins: actual policy, regulation and technology solutions to decarbonise our economy," notes Albert Cheung, a top analyst with the consultancy BloombergNEF, on Twitter.
Quick take: The plan underscores the transatlantic split on climate change amid President Trump's moves to unwind emissions rules and policies. However, a number of Democratic White House hopefuls have called for similar targets.
Go deeper: Global carbon dioxide emissions reached record high in 2018