The UK’s battle cries on net zero have led to nothing – and now time is running out

The consequences of the UK’s failure to act will be harmful to our climate control efforts – and our international reputation. Photograph: David McNew/AFP/Getty Images

In 2019, the government passed legislation that committed the nation to achieving a goal of net zero emissions of greenhouse gases by the middle of the century. It was one of the most ambitious targets set by any country in the battle to halt the worst effects of climate change. This is a nation committed to limiting global temperature rises, claimed Conservative party leaders.

Sadly those proud battle cries and that Churchillian rhetoric have not been matched by action. For the past four years, government departments have failed to put in place any coherent policies that could help limit carbon emissions.