Net zero is possible by 2050 - but needs a lot of help from tech
techUK notes the new comments from the Leader of the Opposition and reminds all parties of the UK’s historic climate leadership and promising climate tech sector which has huge jobs, growth and export potential.
Firstly, the Leader of the Opposition should have confidence in the huge decarbonisation we've already achieved (most of which delivered under Conservative governments). It is certainly possible to achieve net zero by 2050 and we’ve seen a lot of pathways to get there with the latest Carbon Budge showing the steps needed between 2038-2042. Most of the biggest businesses and complex organisations such as cities and other countries have started on their transitions, so if they are confident they can meet net zero by 2050 (or sooner!), the Leader of the Opposition should be too.
Secondly, we need to acknoweldge she has a point. The net zero pathways we've all seen require modelling and forecasting that contains a huge degree of uncertainty and perhaps too much onus (or hope) on demand shifts and lifestyle choices, something which is frankly impossible to forecast and will inevitably come with criticisms not too dissimilar from what we’ve heard today (nanny state accusations, bankrupting families etc).
Therefore the discussion needs to move from 'do we get to net zero or not' or ‘how do we get economic growth, protect household bills and reach net zero’, and we firmly believe digital tech has a huge role to play in this arena, and we need to do more to make this case.
Digital tech services is where the party is at for the UK economy and by any measure tech will deliver a disproportionate amount of growth in the coming decades. It is uniquely placed to help facilitate jobs and growth, while cutting emissions across all heavy emitting sectors. The World Economic Forum estimates that digitalisation can deliver 20% of global emissions reduction if applied across energy, transport, industry, and buildings and this digitalisation will make these industries more future ready, reduce their energy bills and provide new revenue streams.
Therefore it is on us and the wider sector to make this case and we look forward to engaging with the Shadow Energy Secretary and the current government to make this case and ensure tech is seen as a solution to both growth and net zero.
Craig Melson
Craig is Associate Director for Climate, Environment and Sustainability and leads on our work in these areas ranging from climate change, ESG disclosures and due diligence, through to circular economy, business and human rights, conflict minerals and post-Brexit regulation.