Ministers publish UK’s Net Zero Strategy

The strategy details government’s plans to tackle climate change by decarbonising all the UK’s economy, to meet the 2050 net zero target.

Published on 19 October, the Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener comes after the 10 point plan for a green industrial revolution, set out last year, which described how the UK might sustainably recover from the impact of COVID-19 ‘at the forefront of the growing global green economy’.

The strategy builds on the above and describes routes to decarbonisation and net zero by 2050, with sector specific policy proposals for emissions reductions.

For instance, it reiterates government’s commitment to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030 and that, by 2035, the UK will be entirely powered by green electricity.

£295m fund for separate food waste collections

In terms of resources and waste, the strategy promises to "explore options for the near elimination of biodegradable municipal waste to landfill" by bringing forward a £295 million capital fund. It is planned that this will allow local authorities to prepare for the implementation of separate food waste collections, as directed in the Environment Bill.

The publication also refers to the 25 year environment plan, where commitments were made to eliminate all avoidable waste, including plastic, and to double resource productivity.