Overview

This Climate and Nature Bill mandates the UK government to achieve ambitious climate and nature targets. It requires the creation of a national strategy, public input through a Climate and Nature Assembly, and oversight by independent committees. The bill aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero, halt and reverse nature degradation, and ensure a just transition.

Description

The bill sets legally binding targets for the UK to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and to halt and reverse nature loss. The Secretary of State must publish a strategy within 12 months, including annual interim targets, and take all reasonable steps to meet them. The strategy must include measures such as:

• Limiting the UK's carbon dioxide emissions.
• Reducing emissions from imports.
• Reducing other greenhouse gas emissions.
• Phasing out fossil fuel exploration, extraction, export, and import.
• Protecting and restoring ecosystems.
• Prioritizing the avoidance of nature loss.
• Offsetting the negative impacts of production and consumption.
• Considering the impact on local communities, young people, and protected characteristics.
• Providing financial support and retraining for those affected by the transition.

A Climate and Nature Assembly will be established to advise on the strategy. The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) will review the Assembly's recommendations and produce a joint proposal. The devolved legislatures (Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) must agree to the targets and strategy before they apply to devolved matters. The strategy will be subject to parliamentary approval and annual review.

Government Spending

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

Groups Affected

• Government: Responsible for setting and achieving targets, implementing the strategy, and reporting to Parliament.
• Businesses: Potentially significant impacts depending on sector. Industries with high emissions or negative ecosystem impacts may face significant changes. Some industries may benefit from related investments and developments.
• Individuals: The bill aims for a just transition, including financial support and retraining for those whose jobs are affected. However, specific impacts vary depending on individual circumstances and employment sector.
• Devolved administrations (Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland): Have a significant role in the implementation of the strategy, requiring agreement on targets and measures relating to devolved matters.
• Environmental groups: Likely to be positively impacted, depending on the effectiveness of the bill's implementation in meeting its ambitious aims.

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