Head of UK’s Mission for Clean Power, UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
London & Glasgow, UK
- Tweets 4,298
- Following 4,241
- Followers 41,482
- Likes 3,636
Pinned Tweet
Our Clean Power 2030 Action Plan is published today.
We’ve produced this at lightning pace - it’s packed with new steps towards clean power. We’re moving quickly and making big decisions to open the path to 2030.
gov.uk/government/publicatio…
@energygovuk
@Ed_Miliband
@mgshanks
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I have some news…
📣 Climate and energy expert @StarkClimate has been appointed head of our new clean power Mission Control
Tasked with turbocharging the shift from volatile fossil fuel markets to home-grown clean power by 2030
More: gov.uk/government/news/chris…
ALT Photo of Chris Stark Head of Mission Control for clean power 2030
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Incredible to say it, but we are discussing the consent of a new deep coal mine in the UK, despite all that has been said in recent years about the phase out coal.
This is a very bad decision – supporting a technology of the past, with a very poor prospectus for new UK jobs.
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Not a good decision.
We’ll say more tonight.
bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-6…
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In my house, I ‘urge’ my kids to put their shoes on before I later ‘request’ that they do so (expressing my alarm and utmost concern).
But in the end, I usually have to ‘demand’ it.
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This is an extraordinary letter (and extraordinarily well-written).
This is @blackrock Chairman and CEO Larry Fink on how climate change is driving "a profound reassessment of risk and asset values".
Recommended reading.
blackrock.com/uk/individual/…
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Super excited to start my new job (officially) today @energygovuk
We’re already up and running and we have some big plans…
Buckle up!
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Some news *gulp*.
I’ve decided to move on from @theCCCuk after six amazing years and more than 100 publications.
I’ve worked on energy and climate policy for 13 years now. I joined the civil service 20 years ago.
I’d like to see a different side to the climate challenge.
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I worry that Microsoft Teams will ultimately drive an increase in global greenhouse emissions as people embrace long-distance travel to flee its comprehensive terribleness.
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Well, that’s a wrap after more than six years at @theCCCuk. It has been a wonderful privilege.
The handle of this account will change shortly, but please continue to follow. I’ll keep tweeting on climate when I move across to @thecarbontrust from next week.
🙏
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Today we publish @theCCCuk annual report on progress in reducing UK emissions.
We reflect on policy progress in a year that brought the UK’s first recorded 40C day and spiralling fossil fuel costs.
And there’s a reality check on the acceleration needed for 2030 and beyond.
🧵
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Absolutely brilliant news for Glasgow (the best wee city in the world). Delighted to see my home city host COP26 next year.
All the more reason to get cracking on some world leading policies to match the Net-Zero ambition.
bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-g…
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Here is our report on #NetZero in the UK by 2050. The culmination of an immense programme @theCCCuk
The target must cover ALL sectors, ALL greenhouse gases, achieved through domestic action alone.
This target meets our Paris obligations, affirming UK global leadership.
READ IT
Just out:| Phase out greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 to end UK contribution to global warming, CCC says in a major new report: theccc.org.uk/2019/05/02/pha…
Read our new #NetZero advice to Government. Full report, technical report + much more here: theccc.org.uk/publication/ne…
#NetZeroUK
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This is drivel from the Sunday Telegraph, who have spent the last two weeks trying to argue that we’d made a glaring mistake in our Net Zero report from 2019.
In reality we are meticulous. And the economy costs of electric vehicles have fallen since 2019.
telegraph.co.uk/politics/202…
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Setting the UK's Sixth Carbon Budget (2033-37) in law is a huge moment. A 78% reduction in territorial emissions between 1990 and 2035.
Until 2019 the UK's 2050 target was an 80% reduction. It has effectively been brought forward by 15 years.
That's the implication of #NetZero.
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I think I speak for most friendly independent climate advisory bodies when I say I’d like to see this #COP26 business sorted out sharpish.
It’s very important that the UK is brilliant in the presidency and that Scotland is brilliant as the host for this summit.
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We didn’t have a plan before, now we do.
We’ve got lots of work planned to assess the new Net Zero strategy, but pause and reflect that the government has published a document, with a foreword from the Prime Minister, including this table, largely mirroring @theCCCuk advice.
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Everyone is tweeting and retweeting this by @CarbonBrief. Quite right too - it’s brilliant. Take a minute to digest this and the colossal amount of work that stands behind it.
(Special plaudits for the gorgeous web design - a thing to behold.)
interactive.carbonbrief.org/…
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The ‘no windows’ net zero scenario is one we are currently considering @theCCCuk.
More soon.
TRUMP: “…mandate net zero carbon emissions for homes, offices and all new buildings by 2030. That basically means no windows, no nothing.”
This is false and misleading: washingtonpost.com/graphics/…
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Today we publish our report on a reliable, resilient and decarbonised power system - over a year in the making @theCCCuk
We set out to answer the question: “can we rely on an electricity system based mainly on variable renewables?”
Yes, you really can
theccc.org.uk/publication/de…
🧵
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Wooft. Up to 25GW of new offshore wind capacity through the ScotWind leasing round - much higher than many expected. More than half is floating, which will really build confidence.
Huge numbers. A big challenge for the consenting system after this too.
crownestatescotland.com/news…
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👀
Curious whether this (if confirmed) also means abandonment of the Chancellor’s goal to reduce total UK energy demand by 15% by 2030.
The taskforce was a collection of serious figures from across commercial and finance sectors to advise on that goal.
bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-6…
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Just published
📣
New @theCCCuk snapshot assessment of the impact of recent climate announcements over an eventful few months.
The PM made a speech on Net Zero. We’ve looked at that - but there were other developments, which we’ve considered too.
🧵
theccc.org.uk/2023/10/12/ccc…
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Just published, our independent assessment of the UK's new Net Zero strategy.
bit.ly/3vJnNIV
Overall, we see this as a big step forward. It’s ambitious and broad in scope, with credible mechanisms to drive delivery and scale up private investment.
@theCCCuk
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The PM's statement contains a serious set of commitments. If they're delivered, they’ll take a big chunk off UK emissions over the next decade and beyond.
As ever - the detail needs to follow. But for now, I'm pleased. We should celebrate days like this when we get them.
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For those who have asked (there are a few of you), we are planning to publish an assessment of the new Net Zero Strategy next week, before the Budget.
The brilliant team @theCCCuk have been busy.
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Well. That was quick!
Confirmation by @scotgov today that Scotland's greenhouse gas emissions target will be net-zero by 2045 - continuing our global leadership in tackling climate change. #ClimateEmergency bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-4…
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Happy birthday @theCCCuk - 15 years old today.
Thanks to colleagues, past and present, for keeping the CCC fuelled with such great ideas and fresh insights.
🎉
Today marks 15 years since the UK pioneered a legal and institutional framework for climate action with the Climate Change Act and the establishment of an independent Climate Change Committee in 2008. A joint statement - @piersforster and @baroness_brown - theccc.org.uk/2023/11/26/joi…
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The curious case of a misleading story in the Sunday Telegraph and how it is being pushed towards becoming accepted truth.
Our good friends in Net Zero Watch seem determined to turn this into an ongoing story, so it’s time to debunk.
🧵
FACTCHECK: HIGHLY MISLEADING
This frontpage story in the Sunday Telegraph misleads by omission - it leaves out some crucial details:
The "single year" was stress-tested with data for the worst recent wind yr & an artificial worse-than-has-ever-happened wind drought+high demand
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Exciting news. The UK Climate Assembly, commissioned by six Parliamentary Select Committees, begins later this month. It will help us understand the public preferences for the steps to Net Zero.
I've helped to design it, with some really brilliant people.
climateassembly.uk/news/advi…
📢 The Climate Assembly UK twitter account has gone live!📢
Follow @NetZeroUK for information and updates about #ClimateAssemblyUK. Find out more about the Expert Leads, Advisory Panel and Academic Panel published today.
➡️climateassembly.uk
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Quite a package of things announced today by the @scotgov. Eye catching transport package, also new green finance commitments and some further increase in the ambition to decarbonise Scottish buildings. These look like meaningful steps.
UK spending review tomorrow...
CCC Chairman Lord Deben welcomes action to tackle climate change in Scotland's Programme for Government. “Scotland has ambitions to lead the world in tackling climate change [..] that vision is alive and well", he says. Read the full statement: theccc.org.uk/2019/09/03/ccc… #ScotPfg
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Today is the fourth anniversary of Net Zero becoming law, under the UK's Climate Change Act.
Tomorrow we publish our 15th Annual Report on UK progress.
The report will be on our website at midnight. You can also tune in tomorrow for a video launch:
piped.video/@TheCCCUK
ALT Wind turbine - representing UK's progress towards Net Zero
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A powerful leader in today’s Times. Gets across the key message from yesterday’s @theCCCuk Progress Reports: Government must get real on achieving the UK's legal climate targets.
But we need to talk about this “ruinously expensive” Net Zero stuff.
Thread – with some new charts.
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We’ve written to the Chancellor, ahead of his fiscal plan, on the practical steps that can be taken to reduce energy demand in buildings.
This should be core to HMT’s exit strategy from the extraordinary sums going to the Energy Price Guarantee.
@theCCCuk
theccc.org.uk/publication/le…
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Let’s revel in today’s historic commitment to offshore wind. It will eventually be the backbone of our energy system.
It also marks the point we look beyond power to the wider challenges. Tackling these with all that green electricity.
THAT’s the Net Zero secret sauce from now.
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I see we are debating boilers and heatpumps and hydrogen.
Don't forget district heating, the dark horse in this discussion.
It can serve homes low-fuss, low-carbon heat and it's great for population-dense cities (especially with rivers). But it doesn't have such a vocal lobby.
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Quite a letter, this.
✉ We have today published a letter sent to the Prime Minister @RishiSunak, raising questions arising from recent announcements on net zero measures.
🔎Click below to read the letter👇
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Here’s our analysis of the UK’s path to Net Zero. A blueprint for a fully decarbonised UK.
theccc.org.uk/publication/si…
Join us live at 10am when we’ll explain what we are recommending:
piped.video/8j8F37Tc0no
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Wish I'd been able to say more yesterday about my amazing team @theCCCuk. They’ve worked so hard on this latest report and all the ones coming up.
We’re only a small team - they’ve turned themselves inside out lately.
It's a real privilege to work with such a talented group.
🙏
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Today is an important day, with the publication of advice from @neso_energy on the requirements of clean power by 2030.
It’s brilliant analysis.
The headline is that it’s achievable, while maintaining security of supply, but only if we get a move on.
neso.energy/publications/cle…
🧵
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We wrote to @BorisJohnson today - and the First Ministers of all the UK Nations. This is the first step in turning around @theCCCuk work this year to respond to the COVID-19 crisis.
We aimed to be concise - tough on an issue with such wide implications.
theccc.org.uk/2020/05/06/tak…
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“absolutely gobsmackingly bananas”
The first global temperature data is in for the full month of September. This month was, in my professional opinion as a climate scientist – absolutely gobsmackingly bananas. JRA-55 beat the prior monthly record by over 0.5C, and was around 1.8C warmer than preindutrial levels.
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This is our 2020 Progress Report to Parliament.
It is published as the COVID-19 restrictions begin to ease and we begin to get to grips with the economic crisis. Can this crisis be turned into an opportunity?
Resoundingly, yes.
theccc.org.uk/2020/06/25/cov…
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Today we are calling on @transportgovuk to bring International #Aviation and #Shipping emissions formally within the UK’s #NetZero target.
It will have the very important effect of establishing a comprehensive legal framework for reducing UK emissions for the first time.
Just out: CCC Chairman Lord Deben sets out the approach the UK should take to international aviation and shipping emissions in pursuit of the #NetZero target. Read our letter to the Secretary of State for Transport: theccc.org.uk/publication/le… @transportgovuk
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Some important tweeting.
It's a big week @theCCCuk. We will publish our annual Progress Report on Thursday. It's a bumper edition.
Expect all the usual commentary and analysis of UK progress. But we also consider the COVID-19 recovery and the priorities for the months ahead.
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So let's talk about offsetting. 🧵
Today, @theCCCuk publish a new report on 'voluntary carbon markets' - markets where carbon credits are purchased (usually by businesses) voluntarily.
theccc.org.uk/publication/vo…
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This is excellent from @McKinsey - on the similarities between the coronavirus pandemic and climate risk. The disruption they cause. And the need for integrated thinking about what comes next.
mckinsey.com/business-functi…
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Tweets have been light recently while we prepare for a very busy period ahead. We’re about to bring you a *lot* of new analysis, insight and commentary.
A rundown of what’s coming up soon from @theCCCuk.
THREAD
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So delighted that Emma is confirmed. She’ll be a brilliant leader @theCCCuk
All eyes on the Carbon Budget 7 advice in February.
👏
The Committee is delighted to announce Emma Pinchbeck - @ELPinchbeck - will be joining the Climate Change Committee as Chief Executive from 11 November. theccc.org.uk/2024/10/09/emm…
ALT An image of Emma Pinchbeck with a quote which states - "I take the opportunity to influence the UK's progress on reducing emissions incredibly seriously, and to support Government make this transition in the way that most benefits people and the economy."
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We’re off and running for #CleanPower2030
We’ve written to @NationalGridESO to request advice on the requirements of the 2030 power system.
We’ll receive their advice in the Autumn - and we’ll ensure the enabling policies are there to deliver it.
gov.uk/government/publicatio…
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We have written to the MHCLG Secretary of State to outline our concerns about the recent decision to give planning permission for a new Cumbrian deep coal mine, which is due to produce 'coking coal' for steel.
theccc.org.uk/publication/le…
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Phasing out coal use is the clearest requirement of the global effort towards Net Zero. The Secretary of State’s decision will have implications beyond the UK’s borders.
This was our previous advice.
theccc.org.uk/publication/le…
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An important piece, which should be read widely. Remarkable because it's written by four central bankers.
Decisions in the coming weeks can reshape our whole approach to the climate. @theCCCuk will publish advice on what should come next on 25th June.
theguardian.com/commentisfre…
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This morning we have published our letter to @beisgovuk on the UK’s 2030 NDC.
theccc.org.uk/publication/le…
The UK should commit to reduce emissions by at least 68% from 1990 to 2030 - and make clear commitments on international aviation and shipping, climate finance and adaptation.
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I came to the end of my role, supporting @NetZeroUK this weekend. It has been a privilege to be involved in the Assembly. I admit I had some initial trepidation about whether it would be possible to cover the vast number of issues in reaching #NetZero.
It turns out it really is.
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Really delighted to say I’ll be taking up the role of CEO at another organisation with a climate mission, @theCarbonTrust, later in 2024.
Excited to join them and help them accelerate progress here in the UK - and around the world.
But first we need to find my successor here…
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Today we publish two @theCCCuk reports - assessing plans to adapt to climate change, and progress in reducing emissions in the UK.
We found that Government’s plans do not meet the scale of the climate challenge ahead.
Links to both reports in the link.
theccc.org.uk/2019/07/10/uk-…
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Here's our assessment of #COP26 and the Glasgow Climate Pact.
theccc.org.uk/publication/co…
We've taken a global outlook and considered the implications for the UK.
After Glasgow, there are important new considerations for UK climate policy. The UK must not walk away now.
@theCCCuk
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Tomorrow we will launch our latest report on the path to Net Zero, with advice on the UK’s Sixth Carbon Budget 2033-37.
It’s a cracker.
There are no places left on our webinar, but you can watch it live on YouTube from 10am @theCCCuk
Here’s the link
piped.video/8j8F37Tc0no
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Make sure you tune in peeps. BBC One at 9pm
++THREAD++
At 9pm - for the first time in 12yrs - BBC One will broadcast a 60-min documentary about climate change presented by Sir David Attenborough.
It covers the science, impacts and potential solutions of climate change, all of which Carbon Brief has covered in depth...
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On my way to Birmingham for #ClimateAssemblyUK
This is one of the most challenging things I’ve ever been involved with. Planning has been so careful (as it should be).
Hopefully leads to something genuinely new: informed views of citizens on how *they* want to achieve #NetZero.
Delighted to share this personal message of gratitude with all #ClimateAssemblyUK attendees and followers, from the legendary Sir David Attenborough, ahead of our first weekend. 🌍Thank you. 🖥️ Watch the full video on Facebook: facebook.com/NetZeroUK @HouseofCommons #netzerouk
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Yes. Yes they are.
(Avoiding car use even better)
Are electric vehicles really so climate friendly? theguardian.com/environment/…
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“Geologists have learnt the hard way that you may argue with a prediction based on a model but it is unwise to argue with a rock.”
Times letters: Uncertainty and the science of climate change
thetimes.co.uk/article/aa946…
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Very welcome news
A warm welcome to Mark Carney, the newly appointed Prime Minister's Finance Advisor for #COP26. @10DowningStreet
The @bankofengland Governor will advise the government on mobilising action within the financial sector to tackle #ClimateChange.
bit.ly/3akPA7J
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Net Zero is great; near-term action is even better
A reminder of our advice: the UK should put into law a 6th Carbon Budget requiring a 78% reduction in territorial emissions between 1990 and 2035, including those from international aviation and shipping
theccc.org.uk/publication/si…
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Pretty depressing weekend reading on various aspects of the UK’s net-zero transition (and Government hardly racing out the blocks to defend their own policies).
Our progress report will be published at the end of the month, containing *actual* analysis.
28th June.
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Lots of last minute government announcements before the pre-election ‘purdah’ rules kick in.
The #fracking ban will get the headlines, but the Treasury’s Net Zero review is the most important thing announced today.
theccc.org.uk/2019/11/02/ccc…
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Worth a go I’d say
The UK must significantly increase the use of these technologies. By 2030, we need to see:
- New electric car sales need to go from 16.5% -> to nearly 100%
- Heat pump installations need to go from 1% to 10%
- Increases in offshore wind x3⃣, onshore wind x2⃣, solar x5⃣
ALT One of our key indicators on roll-out of low-carbon technologies is on track (public electric vehicle chargepoints), eight are off track (battery electric car and van shares of total sales, residential heat pump installations, electricity used in industry, offshore wind, onshore wind and solar operational capacities, unabated gas share of electricity generation).
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Our annual UK progress report is published tomorrow. And this year, it’s a bumper edition - our assessment of progress in adapting to climate change; and progress in reducing UK emissions.
Expect two volumes of @theCCCuk insight and analysis. There may also be charts...
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Fantastic news. @JimSkeaIPCC is going to be a fantastic IPCC Chair.
We’re all very proud at his old gaff @theCCCuk
👏
‼️ 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦
🇬🇧 British Jim Skea is the new IPCC chair after winning in the final vote over the Brazilian Thelma Krug.
He will lead the largest panel of climate change specialists during the most decisive decade for climate action.
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“an end to the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans to 2035, or earlier if a faster transition is feasible”
Cars are typically on UK roads for 14 years so 2035 is in line with Net Zero 2050
@theCCCuk are gathering evidence now on even earlier date
bit.ly/2Upv7bZ
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The @bankofengland have published details of the climate stress test they'll conduct to assess the resilience of the UK financial system to climate risks.
Worth a look - it's really clear.
bankofengland.co.uk/stress-t…
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The tragedy is not so much that the scheme is cancelled, but that it wasn’t planned well in the first place.
Glad money has been diverted to local authorities. Perhaps local delivery should have been the model all along?
HMT will need to revisit energy efficiency in the autumn.
UK government scraps green homes grant after six months theguardian.com/environment/…
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Government working right up until Santa saddles up. There are a couple of chunky announcements today:
- a package on energy efficiency and more money for heat pumps
- confirmation that the UK will introduce a carbon border adjustment from 2027
These are both very welcome.
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It’s the end of 2019. And it’s the start of the next 12 months.
We’ve written to the new PM here
theccc.org.uk/publication/le…
And I’ve blogged about @theCCCuk plans and the momentous year ahead here
theccc.org.uk/2019/12/18/202…
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“A green recovery with concern for the environment at its heart” is a strong message from the Chancellor that I’m very glad to hear.
Now onto the detail...
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Happy new year, more of this please
NEW ANALYSIS
UK electricity in 2023
🔥Fossil fuel gen lowest since 1957
⛰️ Lowest ever fossil share 33%
🌄 Record renewables TWh & %
🏆 Cleanest ever power 162gCO2/kWh
📉 Demand -91TWh since 2005
43% renewable
31% gas
13% nuclear
7% imports
1% coal
carbonbrief.org/analysis-uk-…
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This decision undermines UK efforts towards Net Zero.
It is counter to the UK’s aims as COP26 President and it sends entirely the wrong signal to other countries about our climate priorities.
Sadly, the UK’s global influence on climate is greatly diminished by today’s decision.
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Happy new year climate tweeps.
@theCCCuk is at your service for 2021. Lots to do, lots to do...
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Tremendous news (I was a tad worried…).
Credit where it’s due. This leaves the UK Carbon Budgets as a meaningful legal framework for continued decarbonisation.
👏
We've over-performed on our 3rd Carbon Budget just as we did with the 1st & the 2nd. And we're not carrying forward the 15% surplus - we don't need to.
We are the 1st major economy to halve emissions and that success is set to continue 🌎
📹 Watch for more 👇
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“How did zero carbon happen?” Bill asked
“Two ways,” Mike said.
“Gradually and then suddenly.”
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We've written to UK and Scottish Ministers today to offer advice on improvements to the rating metrics used on domestic Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).
EPC ratings are an important policy tool for reducing emissions, but they're not fit for purpose
theccc.org.uk/publication/le…
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So pleased to be elected as a fellow of @RoyalSocEd. It's a lovely honour.
Special thanks to my team @theCCCuk for their support (and especially for the insights they've provided on Scotland's climate progress).
🙏
Meet our newest Fellows.
We are honoured to announce the 57 leading thinkers from the sciences, arts, education, business, and public life have been elected to our Fellowship for 2024. We look forward to working with them for the betterment of society.
rse.org.uk/eminent-cultural-…
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We received a letter from Number 10 - and it’s a *good* letter.
Hoping this is a primer for further announcements from the PM tomorrow...
In December, following the UK General Election, we wrote to Prime Minister @BorisJohnson setting out the priorities for #UKClimateAction. Read the PM's response to our letter here: bit.ly/2uivzOC #ClimateChange
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Great news! #COP26
I’ll be delighted to show you all around...
peoplemakeglasgow.com
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