Young people to have say on future climate policy

The Prime Minister has announced that the UK will put in place a legally binding net zero target to end the UK’s contribution to global warming by 2050.

The legislation will be laid in Parliament today, Wednesday 12 June. This will amend the Climate Change Act 2008.

For the first time, young people will have the chance to shape future climate policy through the Youth Steering Group. The Group, set up by DCMS and led by the British Youth Council, will advise Government on priorities for environmental action and give a view on progress to date against existing commitments on climate, waste and recycling, and biodiversity loss. They will start their review in July.

The legislation change will mean that the UK is set to become the first G7 country to legislate for net zero emissions, with other major economies expected to follow suit. The UK will conduct a further assessment within five years to confirm that other countries are taking similarly ambitious action.

Theresa May will meet young science and engineering students today to discuss the ambitious new target, which is based on advice from independent experts the Committee on Climate Change.

Prime Minister Theresa May said: "As the first country to legislate for long-term climate targets, we can be truly proud of our record in tackling climate change. We have made huge progress in growing our economy and the jobs market while slashing emissions.

"Now is the time to go further and faster to safeguard the environment for our children. This country led the world in innovation during the Industrial Revolution, and now we must lead the world to a cleaner, greener form of growth.

"Standing by is not an option. Reaching net zero by 2050 is an ambitious target, but it is crucial that we achieve it to ensure we protect our planet for future generations."