LONDON: UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a series of climate policy changes on Wednesday, drawing mixed reactions from politicians, environmentalists, and industry stakeholders. The measures include pushing back the deadline for banning the sale of petrol and diesel cars, revising targets for replacing gas boilers, and scrapping certain household energy efficiency requirements.
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson had set a 2030 deadline for banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars. However, Sunak revealed that this date would be extended. “You’ll still be able to buy petrol and diesel cars and vans until 2035, even after that you’ll still be able to buy and sell them second-hand,” he stated. He noted that the UK was aligning its approach with several other countries, including Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Australia, Canada, Sweden, and US states like California, New York, and Massachusetts.
Changes in UK Climate Policies
The government had initially targeted the installation of 600,000 heat pumps annually by 2028 and aimed to phase out the installation of new gas boilers by 2035. Sunak’s announcement offered more time for the transition, stating that households would only need to switch to heat pumps when replacing their existing boilers. The deadline for this transition has been set at 2035. Sunak also emphasized that households unable to afford the estimated £10,000 cost would not be forced to switch, and cash grants for boiler replacement would be increased by 50 percent to £7,500.
Plans to allow landlords to rent out properties only if they met specific energy efficiency ratings by 2028 have been abandoned. Sunak clarified that while energy efficiency would continue to be subsidized, no household would be compelled to undertake such upgrades.
To achieve the 2050 net-zero emissions target, Sunak announced a £150 million fellowship aimed at supporting scientists and engineers in developing green technologies. Additionally, he revealed reforms to the planning process for new energy and grid infrastructure projects.
Sunak’s announcements mark a significant shift in the UK’s climate policies, prompting various reactions and discussions about the implications for the country’s journey towards achieving its net-zero carbon emissions goal by 2050.
