A PATH TO NET ZERO

• In November 2018, WWF produced Keeping it Cool, a report that sets out two scenarios: to achieve net zero in the UK by 2050 (UK2050) and by 2045. According to the report, UK2050 will require a reduction of around 500 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) from today’s levels of GHG emissions, shown as the large grey bubble in this graphic. This will bring emissions to below 100 MtCO2e by 2050, as shown in the top cluster of bubbles – split into emissions from key sectors. For the scenario to be achieved, the power, surface-transport and building sectors must reach zero or near zero emissions by 2050. ‘Hard to treat’ sectors, such as industry, shipping and agriculture, will need to significantly reduce emissions. As shown here, these are the sectors that will make up most of the remaining emissions in 2050. Still-existent emissions will then need to be compensated through greenhouse gas removal (GGR) measures. This will require a significant scaling up of such schemes and technologies. Current GGR schemes are insignificant – seen here as the small circle at the bottom of the diagram. According to the report: ‘The required GGR scale (~100 MtCO2e) implies a significant programme of afforestation as well as that the majority of UK agricultural land is utilised (alongside continued food production) for at least one form of GGR (for example, increasing carbon storage in soils). While UK2050 demonstrates that a net-zero goal is achievable, it will be a major undertaking that will require decisive political action. ‘This scenario... assumes the maximum feasible emission reductions and GGR deployments are achieved in virtually all UK sectors.’