UK government advised to drop phrase ‘net zero’

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day, reviewed by our editorial team. Read the full piece on Responsible Investor or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The UK Parliament’s Energy Security and Net Zero Committee has advised the government to reduce its use of the phrase “net zero” and remove it from the Department’s name, arguing that it has become a distraction from the wider benefits of the energy transition
• The cross-party committee also called for stronger action against climate misinformation and a review of whether Ofcom should receive additional powers to regulate misleading online information

🔭 The context: The committee said public support is more likely when the transition is linked to tangible benefits such as lower energy bills, warmer homes, jobs, health and energy security
• It also recommended further analysis of the economic and social costs of failing to act on climate change, alongside greater prominence for trusted scientific sources

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The recommendations concern how climate action is communicated rather than changing the UK’s emissions targets
• Clearer public understanding could influence support for policies needed to reduce fossil-fuel use and accelerate the clean-energy transition

⏭️ What’s next: The government is expected to respond to the committee’s recommendations within two months
• Ofcom’s role in addressing climate misinformation and the prominence of trusted climate information are likely to remain areas of debate

💬 One quote: “The term net zero has lost much of its significant positive association.” — UK Energy Security and Net Zero Committee

📈 One stat: 60% of people in recent polling who supported the UK government’s commitment to net zero, according to evidence cited by the committee

Subscribe to our free newsletters to never miss a beat in sustainability.

The world needs sustainability knowledge. At illuminem, no interest group or shareholder can influence our work. Thank you for supporting our mission to make high-quality and independent sustainability information free for all. Every contribution helps. Thank you for donating today