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  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 16:55 GMT by BBC

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UK government unveils ambitious new climate plan to slash emissions by 2035

In a landmark policy announcement, the UK government unveiled a sweeping new climate strategy designed to accelerate the country’s journey toward net‑zero emissions. The plan, rolled out in a televised briefing and accompanied by a detailed policy white paper, sets out a series of ambitious targets, regulatory reforms, and investment programmes that aim to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 55 % by 2030 and 70 % by 2035, a full 10 % ahead of the current statutory targets under the Climate Change Act of 2008. The policy has sparked a broad spectrum of reactions—from cautious optimism among environmental NGOs to concerns over economic costs from business groups and the opposition parties.

A new set of carbon budgets

At the heart of the plan is a re‑definition of the UK’s legally binding “carbon budgets.” The government will establish a new set of five‑year budgets that are more stringent than those set out in the current Act. Each budget will be tied to specific sectoral reductions, covering power generation, transport, industry, buildings and agriculture. The Ministry of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) will monitor progress through a new, independent “Carbon Budget Review Board” that will report quarterly to Parliament.

The policy notes that achieving the 2035 target will require a combination of “hard‑path” measures—such as accelerated deployment of low‑carbon energy and the phasing out of fossil‑fuel vehicles—alongside “soft‑path” innovations, including new carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects and breakthroughs in bio‑based materials. The white paper calls for an “integrated, cross‑sectoral approach” that recognises the interconnected nature of the UK’s energy, transport and food systems.

Green infrastructure and public transport overhaul

A cornerstone of the strategy is the massive expansion of green infrastructure. The government plans to allocate £50 billion over the next decade to fund renewable energy projects, including offshore wind farms, tidal energy platforms, and large‑scale solar arrays. In addition, the policy pledges to double the UK’s investment in green public transport, with a focus on electrifying bus fleets and expanding high‑speed rail networks. A new “Rail Green Fund” of £5 billion will support the construction of high‑speed lines linking major cities, while a £3 billion subsidy will be earmarked for the purchase of electric buses by local authorities.

The government also proposes a nationwide “Zero‑Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Roadmap” that sets a firm deadline for the phasing out of internal‑combustion engine cars. In line with the EU’s Green Deal, the policy targets a 70 % reduction in new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030, with the goal of achieving 100 % electric vehicle sales by 2035. Local governments will receive grants to install electric vehicle charging infrastructure, while the Department for Transport will introduce stricter emissions standards for new vehicles.

Economic implications and industry response

The new climate plan has drawn sharp industry commentary. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) released a position paper cautioning that “the costs of rapid decarbonisation could exceed the projected economic benefits if not managed carefully.” In particular, the CBI expressed concerns over the financial burden of the planned subsidy programmes and the potential for job losses in fossil‑fuel industries. Conversely, the British Renewable Energy Association (BREA) applauded the policy, arguing that “investment in green technology will create thousands of high‑skill jobs and position the UK as a global leader in clean energy.”

The policy also introduces a “Carbon Pricing Framework” that seeks to align the UK’s carbon price with the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS). The UK will maintain a minimum carbon price of £100 per tonne by 2030, with a projected annual increase of 5 % to incentivise lower‑carbon technologies. The framework is designed to support the competitiveness of UK firms in international markets while discouraging carbon leakage.

Public reaction and the role of civil society

Public response to the new climate plan has been largely positive, with a majority of UK residents expressing support for ambitious action on climate change. The policy includes a “Community Carbon Reduction Initiative” that encourages local councils to adopt bespoke measures—such as improving building insulation and promoting cycling infrastructure—tailored to regional needs. NGOs such as Friends of the Earth and the Sierra Club have issued joint statements urging the government to deliver on its promises and to provide “clear and immediate pathways” for vulnerable communities.

The policy also outlines a “Climate Justice Fund” that will earmark £2 billion to support low‑income households in transitioning to cleaner energy sources. This initiative will help mitigate the potential regressive impact of higher energy costs and ensure that the shift to a low‑carbon economy is equitable.

International context and future outlook

In an effort to align with global commitments, the policy references the Paris Agreement and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UK will report its progress to the UN’s Climate Action Tracker and will cooperate with EU partners on cross‑border renewable projects, despite the UK’s post‑Brexit status. The policy also reaffirms the UK’s commitment to the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and its pledge to deliver $4 billion in climate finance to developing countries by 2030.

The new climate strategy marks a decisive step toward the UK’s net‑zero ambition, setting an example for other nations and establishing a framework that could be replicated in other European economies. While challenges remain—particularly in balancing economic growth with environmental protection—the policy represents a comprehensive, data‑driven plan that seeks to harness technology, market mechanisms and public‑private partnerships to meet the most pressing climate challenges of our time.