‘Net zero before 2050 needs major innovation’

CLIMATE neutrality before 2050 is unlikely for the UK without drastic technological and societal changes including “banning aviation and meat production”, a report has found.

The new study by government-funded research group Energy Systems Catapult modelled hundreds of potential technological and behavioural decarbonisation pathways to reaching the UK’s climateneutral target.

The report, titled Innovating to Net Zero, determined that reaching a target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 would require innovation in lowcarbon technology and the adoption of “significant” land use and lifestyle changes.

It urges the government to invest significantly in carbon capture, hydrogen and advanced nuclear technologies, as electricity generation will need to double in order to meet the proposed target.

However, the report warns technological innovation and investment alone will not be enough for the country to reach climate neutrality by 2050.

Under a successful model, dairy and meat livestock production may need to be cut by 50%, while a forest “up to twice the size of Birmingham” will need to be planted every year for carbon-offsetting purposes.

A 50% reduction in meat and dairy consumption may also be required, along with a major slowdown in aviation demand.

The report also recommended a number of policy reforms to assist the government in its pursuit of climate neutrality, including low-carbon economic incentives and power market and local area energy planning reform.

Energy Systems Catapult’s insight and evidence lead, Scott Milne, said the report showed the government’s net-zero target was possible but would require significant technological and societal transformations.

“There are massive economic opportunities for the UK to lead the world in these areas,” said Mr Milne.