Today, the Climate Change Committee, the government's own advisory body, published a damning report that highlights the UK's loss of global leadership in climate action and the lack of

urgency within the government to tackle the climate crisis.

The report serves as the Climate Change Committee's latest progress update on the government's plans to achieve net-zero emissions. Shockingly, it reveals that greenhouse gas emissions actually increased by 0.8% in 2022 compared to the previous year. Aviation emissions nearly doubled in the same period, while emissions from agriculture and land use remained largely unchanged over the past decade.

Beyond these concerning figures, the report also criticizes specific government policies. The expansion of fossil fuel production through the licensing of new oil fields and the opening of coal mines is deemed inconsistent with the net-zero goal and sends a concerning signal. Additionally, although renewable energy capacity increased in 2022, it fell short of the rate required to meet the government's targets. The report also notes a significant decline in home insulation under a government scheme in 2022.

Since the report's release, the government has faced heavy criticism for its policy failures and lack of action.

Labour's shadow climate change secretary, Ed Miliband, denounced the government's negligence, stating that it has left Britain with higher bills, weakened energy security, and unaddressed climate emergencies.

Green Party MP Caroline Lucas described the report as damning, expressing deep concern over the government's slow progress and departments that failed to deliver. Lucas criticized the government for approving new oil and gas licenses, supporting a climate-damaging coal mine in Cumbria, and flirting with a return to fracking. She called out the government's contradictory stance on climate leadership, highlighting the confusing signals it sends to the global community.

In addition to opposition politicians, think tanks and campaign groups have also voiced their criticism of the government's failure. The Institute for Public Policy Research criticized the lack of coherent policy and tangible delivery across various sectors, highlighting the negative impacts on energy bills, energy security, and economic benefits.

Oxfam GB's climate policy advisor emphasized the urgent wake-up call for the UK government, stressing that every additional ton of CO2 produced has severe consequences for vulnerable communities. Oxfam called on the government to cease approving new fossil fuel projects, including the Rosebank oil field, and instead invest in a swift and equitable transition to clean energy.

The report reveals a dire situation, underscoring the need for immediate action to address the UK government's failures on the climate crisis. Photo by Richard Townshend, Wikimedia commons.