Net zero is possible by 2050 - but needs a lot of help from tech
techUK notes the comments from the Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch, and would like to remind all political parties of the UK’s historic climate leadership and promising climate tech sector, which provides numerous jobs and has great growth and export potential.
The UK has already achieved huge decarbonisation results (most of which was delivered under Conservative governments). With more work, it is certainly possible to achieve net zero by 2050. We’ve seen a lot of pathways to get there, with the latest Carbon Budget showing the steps needed between 2038 and 2042. Most major businesses and complex organisations, such as cities and other countries, have started on their decarbonisation transitions and they remain confident in their success.
However, we need to acknowledge that the Leader of the Opposition has a point. The net zero pathways we've all seen require modelling and forecasting that contain a huge degree of uncertainty and perhaps too much onus (or hope) on demand shifts and lifestyle choices - something which is difficult to forecast and will inevitably come with criticisms not too dissimilar from what we’ve heard today.
Therefore, the discussion needs to move from 'Do we get to net zero or not?' to ‘How do we get economic growth, protect household bills, and reach net zero?’. techUK firmly believes digital tech has a huge role to play in this arena, and we need to do more to make this case.
Digital tech services are 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 a 20% reduction in global emissions if applied across energy, transport, industry, and buildings. 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 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.