UK could reach zero carbon by 2030

June 17th 2010

The UK could succeed in being a zero carbon country by the year 2030, a new report has claimed.

Currently policy requires the UK to cuts its emissions by ten per cent this year, with a longer-term target of 20 per cent by 2020.

However, the Zero Carbon Britain report – which has been drawn up by the Centre for Alternative Technology – has said substantial results can be achieved by focusing on areas such as transport, buildings and land use.

According to the group, switching to electric powered vehicles, reducing long-haul flights using kerosene fuel produced in the UK and replacing domestic flights with road and train services could cut energy usage by some 63 per cent.

Furthermore, building emmissions could be slashed by 50 per cent with loft and wall and insulation and the use of all natural building materials.

Andrew Simms, policy director of the New Economics Foundation, said all measures to reduce CO2 need to be embraced by the UK.

He warned that the country "will lurch from one energy and environmental crisis to another on a downward spiral" if action is not taken.