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Rishi Sunak: I care about reaching net zero carbon emissions

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By illuminem briefings

· 2 min read


illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece in BBC or enjoy below 

🗞️ Driving the news: UK's Chancellor Rishi Sunak stated that the 2050 net-zero target needs to be achieved pragmatically 
• Despite criticism from environmentalists and his own MPs, Sunak insisted on the future necessity of fossil fuels

🔭 The context: This comment comes amid a climate commitment backlash within the Conservative Party
• The Prime Minister was recently criticized by Lord Goldsmith, who accused him of "apathy" towards climate change
Sunak has been under pressure to review the party's green policies after their Uxbridge by-election victory, attributed to anger over London's Ultra Low Emissions Zone (Ulez)

🌎 Why does it matter for the planet: Sunak's stance reflects the tension between environmental and economic priorities, potentially slowing down the pace of transition to renewable energy sources
• The UK's commitment to reach net-zero by 2050 while continuing to use fossil fuels raises questions about how these seemingly contradictory goals can be achieved

⏭️ What's next: As part of the transition to electric vehicles, car manufacturers will be required from January next year to ensure that 22% of sold vehicles are zero-emission, otherwise, they could face fines 
• Some manufacturers have called for a softening of the rules, suggesting debates around environmental policies will continue

💬 One quote: "If your approach to climate change is to say that no one should go on holiday, no one should go on a plane, I think you are completely and utterly wrong" (Rishi Sunak)

📈 One stat: Sunak announced the granting of 100 new North Sea oil and gas licenses and support for a carbon capture project in Scotland
• Critics argue that these decisions undermine the UK's commitment to its climate targets

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