Overview

This bill mandates the UK government to meet ambitious climate and nature targets. It requires the creation of a comprehensive strategy, informed by a new Climate and Nature Assembly, to achieve these goals and sets out the responsibilities of various bodies in the process.

Description

The bill sets legally binding targets for the UK to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement and the 1.5°C global warming limit, and to halt and reverse nature loss, both domestically and internationally. The Secretary of State must publish a strategy within a year, including interim targets and measures to achieve these goals. Key aspects of the strategy include:

• Rapid phasing out of fossil fuel exploration, extraction, export, and import.
• Considering the UK's consumption-based emissions, including international aviation and shipping.
• Prioritizing nature conservation and restoration, including ecosystem protection and enhancement.
• Ensuring positive impacts on local communities, young people, and protected groups.
• Providing financial support and retraining for those affected by the transition.

A Climate and Nature Assembly, comprised of a representative UK population sample, will advise on the strategy. The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) will monitor implementation and provide expert advice. The bill also requires approval from devolved legislatures (Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) for the targets and strategy to apply to matters within their legislative competence.

Government Spending

The bill states that any expenditure incurred under the Act, and any increase in sums payable under other Acts attributable to this Act, will be met from money provided by Parliament. No specific figures are provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Government: Takes on new legal duties to meet ambitious climate and nature targets and to implement a comprehensive strategy.
• Businesses: Industries reliant on fossil fuels will be significantly impacted, requiring adaptation or transition. Companies may face new regulations related to emissions and nature protection.
• Local Communities: Particularly those in deprived areas, may experience both challenges and opportunities depending on how the strategy is implemented.
• Individuals: May see changes to lifestyles and employment opportunities due to the transition away from fossil fuels and the focus on nature restoration.
• Environmental Groups: Will likely be closely involved in monitoring implementation and advocating for the most ambitious actions.
• Devolved Administrations: Will need to agree to the targets and strategy for it to apply to areas within their legislative competence.

Powered by nyModel