The first UK-wide citizens’ assembly on climate change published its final report today, setting out ‘a clear, internally consistent and timely path for how the UK can reach its legally binding target of net zero emissions by 2050.’
In a statement opening the report, Assembly members said that it is “imperative that there is strong and clear leadership from Government” that should “forge a cross-party consensus that allows for certainty, long-term planning and a phased transition” and stress that “now is not the time for scoring party political points.”
Welcoming the publication of the report, Chair of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Select Committee, Darren Jones MP, commented: “This is an extremely important contribution to the debate on how the UK reaches our net zero target and I hope it gives impetus to policy makers to take bold action to reduce our emissions.
“The range of voices within these pages reflect our population.
“The fact that assembly members have been able to arrive at clear recommendations whilst respecting each others’ values and experiences sets an example for us all.
“Participants speak of their learning, how they clarified their views and their respect for each other’s perspectives, even when they didn’t agree.
“Their voices are front and centre, just as they should be.
“It is vital that Parliament and Government examine and use the recommendations which the Assembly sets out today.
“Assembly members agree that the task of reaching net zero is a responsibility shared by all generations and we thank them for doing just that, giving up their time to listen, understand, debate and propose solutions which are underpinned by a desire to be fair to everyone in our society, and to retain freedom and choice for individuals and local areas wherever possible.”
In response to calls for strong government leadership and cross-party cooperation, the Chairs of the six commissioning Select Committees have written a letter to the Prime Minister, urging him to ensure that the Government acts on the recommendations of Climate Assembly UK by “showing leadership at the very highest level of government” ahead of the UK hosting COP26 in November 2021.
They have also written to the leaders of the other parties represented at Westminster, highlighting the role opposition party leaders have to play in delivering cross-party consensus on reaching net zero.
Parliament will use the report to support its work on scrutinising the Government’s climate change policy and progress on the target.
Climate Assembly UK’s report shows how a representative sample of the population believe the UK should meet its net zero emissions commitment, with detailed recommendations across ten areas including travel, food, heat and energy use in the home, how we generate our electricity, and greenhouse gas removals.
Assembly Member Sue, 56, from Bath, commented: “I feel really lucky to have had the opportunity to take part, to listen and learn about climate change, and explore ways of cutting the UK’s carbon emissions to net zero over the next three decades.
“Even in a year like this, with the country and economy still reeling from the coronavirus pandemic, it’s clear that the majority of us feel prioritising Net Zero policy is not only important but achievable, too.
“Our report takes into account the wide range of views in the UK and represents a realistic and fair path to net zero.”
The report also conveys Assembly members’ agreement on themes that recurred throughout their discussions, on the need for:
- improved information and education for all on climate change;
- fairness, including across sectors, geographies, incomes and health;
- freedom and choice for individuals and local areas;
- and strong leadership from government.
It also stresses the assembly’s support for protecting and restoring nature, and the value of ‘co-benefits’ to tackling climate change, such as improved health, advantages for local communities, high streets and the economy, including by the promotion of innovation in technology.
Chris Stark, Chief Executive of the Committee on Climate Change and one of the Assembly’s Expert Leads, commented: “Climate Assembly UK has shown there is broad support for climate action in the UK, and we strongly welcome its findings.
“Where possible, we will draw on the Assembly’s views in our forthcoming advice to government on the Sixth Carbon Budget.
“The views of the Assembly are useful in two ways.
“They help inform the scenarios we are developing to demonstrate how the UK can reach Net Zero emissions, and they are particularly useful in considering the policies that will help achieve the goal.
“It’s a real step forward to have this new insight.“
The report is the culmination of more than 6000 hours of Assembly sessions (just under 60 hours per member) across six weekends in 2020.
The 108 Assembly members were selected to represent the UK’s population in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, educational level, where in the UK they live and whether they live in an urban or rural area, and level of concern about climate change, offer a significant perspective on how the UK should address climate change.
From the outset of the process, the Assembly welcomed the engagement of a number of high profile individuals from prominent business, faith and civil society leaders from across UK society.
