Wales: We’ll be first to hit net zero target

WALES is planning to adopt the world’s earliest net zero emissions target following a deal struck in its parliament.

The principality aims to cut greenhouse gas pollution to zero by 2035 – ten years earlier than Scotland’s goal and 15 years ahead of the UK-wide 2050 target.

A deal cut between Labour and Plaid Cymru in the Senedd launched a paper which states the Welsh government will ‘commission independent advice to examine potential pathways to net zero by 2035’. The Welsh government will seek advice from the Climate

Change Committee (CCC). Caterina Brandmayr, of the Green Alliance told environment journal the ENDS Report: ‘Setting targets is critical. But long-term targets should not come at the expense of early action to cut emissions now.’

Wales also stands apart from the rest of the UK in that it has endorsed stopping licensed oil and gas production.

Whitehall officials are considering moving the net zero deadline forward to 2045.