In the event that these levels are exceeded, the regulations will require the publication of Air Quality Plans setting out “appropriate measures” that will ensure that the period these levels are exceeded for is kept “as short as possible”.

The Climate Change Act supports the UK’s commitment to urgent international action to tackle climate change. It requires that emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are reduced and that climate change risks are adapted to.

Through the Climate Change Act, the UK government has set a target to significantly reduce UK greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and a path to get there.

The target will require the UK to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, compared with the previous target of at least 80% reduction from 1990 levels.

The UK has already reduced emissions by 42% while growing the economy by 72% and has put clean growth at the heart of our modern Industrial Strategy. This could see the number of “green collar jobs” grow to 2 million and the value of exports from the low carbon economy grow to £170 billion a year by 2030.

A strategy to decarbonise your business is now essential. Developing a credible plan to achieve net zero will support upcoming UK regulatory requirements and prepare companies to thrive in a low-carbon economy.

In June 2019, the UK government legislated a net zero emissions target by 2050. In 2021, the government set two additional interim targets to run a net zero power system and reduce emissions by 78% by 2035. 113 countries and over a third of the world’s largest companies have also set net zero targets.

In February 2021 media reported that government was considering a direct carbon tax.

The US is following suite with similar, ambitious targets.

• Reducing U.S. greenhouse gas emissions 50-52% below 2005 levels in 2030
• Reaching 100% carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035
• Achieving a net-zero emissions economy by 2050