Overview

This bill sets legally binding targets for the UK to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and halt and reverse nature degradation. It establishes a Climate and Nature Assembly to advise on a national strategy to meet these targets, and assigns responsibilities to relevant committees for monitoring progress.

Description

The bill mandates the Secretary of State to achieve net-zero emissions and reverse nature loss, aligning with international agreements like the Paris Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. A Climate and Nature Delivery Strategy must be published within 18 months, outlining annual targets and measures to achieve these goals.

This strategy will include provisions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from both domestic sources and imports, phasing out fossil fuels, protecting and enhancing ecosystems, and minimizing negative impacts on ecosystems and human health.

A Climate and Nature Assembly will be formed to advise on the strategy, and its recommendations will be reviewed by the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC).

The bill also outlines procedures for parliamentary approval and annual reporting on progress towards the targets. The devolved legislatures (Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) must approve the targets and strategy elements relevant to their devolved powers.

Government Spending

The bill states that any expenditure incurred under the Act, including implementation of the strategy, will be paid out of money provided by Parliament. Specific figures are not provided in the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• Government Departments: Responsible for implementing the strategy and achieving targets.
• Businesses: Affected by emissions reduction measures, particularly those in high-emission sectors. The bill includes provisions for financial support and retraining.
• Landowners and Farmers: May be impacted by changes to land management practices to enhance biodiversity.
• Communities: Potentially impacted by large-scale energy projects (though the bill aims to minimize harm and prioritize community energy projects).
• Devolved Administrations: Required to approve targets and strategy elements related to their devolved competences.
• Future Generations: The bill aims to improve their wellbeing.

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