Third of UK emissions cuts must come from behaviour change, says report

The Committee’s new In Our Hands report shows that nearly a third (32%) of UK emissions savings needed to meet the government’s 2035 targets will be dependent on the activities of individuals and households. These actions include things such as driving an electric car, flying less, reducing meat consumption and choosing products that last longer.

“Dreaming that something brand new will appear and save us by 2050 is not sensible.”

The report also identifies several actions which would deliver the largest emissions reductions, requiring ‘some’ consumer engagement. These include banning biodegradable waste from going to landfill, reducing food waste and increasing recycling could together cut emissions by 5.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, the report claims.

However, the committee found the government’s current approach to enabling behaviour change was ‘seriously inadequate’ and could result in the UK failing to meet its target of reducing emissions by 78% by 2035.