Reacting to the report, several key figures and groups from across the UK’s green economy have expressed disappointment, anger and renewed vigour to push Ministers for change.
The Aldersgate Group’s executive director Nick Molho said: “The only way the UK can credibly protect its economy from climate risks and get on track for achieving net-zero emissions is by making climate change a top priority for all Government departments and supporting this with detailed and timely policy plans.
Energy and Climate Change Intelligence Unit analyst Jess Ralston said: “There is no hiding that the Government is talking the talk but not walking the walk on climate action.
“There are now significant opportunities for the PM and Treasury to serve an ace, and to do so before COP26 in November.
“Time is running out to make this future a reality.
“The Prime Minister must urgently set out his Government’s blueprint for slashing emissions in key areas such as homes and transport.
“We have long backed the CCC’s recommendation of a net-zero test to ensure all government spending and policy, including in the planning system, are compatible with our climate targets.
“The only way to do this is to bring forward the ambitious new policies that will deliver the urgent change needed.
The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology’s chief executive Dr Nina Skorupska said: “The upcoming Heat and Buildings Strategy must represent a watershed moment for UK heat decarbonisation by providing an urgently needed clear and co-ordinated policy framework.
“There needs to be a multi-technology approach with a recognition that there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
“The Committee is right to call for the recently proposed overheating standard for new builds to be expanded to cover refurbishments of existing buildings and conversions of non-domestic buildings to residential use.
Whilst the UK has come a long way on CCUS, in particular introducing an ambition of capturing 10 million tonnes per year by 2030 in last year’sTen-Point Plan, this does not go far enough.
“We now urgently need to move forward with the framework that will deliver the first CCUS clusters by 2030.
The Energy Networks Association’s chief executive David Smith said: “The energy networks are the foundation on which we’ll build net-zero.
Regen’s chief executive Merlin Hyman said: “Today’s assessment from the CCC has laid bare the gap between the government’s climate ambition and the painfully slow pace of decision-making on key policies to phase out the use of fossil fuels.