UK sets out ambitious new climate target at COP29

Part of the UK’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) that must be published by countries under the COP process, the 81 per cent figure is measured against 1990 emissions levels. The government claims the target is in line with the recommendation of the UK’s independent Climate Change Committee and the country's share of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, although it excludes emissions from aviation and shipping.  

By committing to a national target compatible with the 1.5°C figure set out in the Paris Agreement, the UK is strengthening its hand at the COP29 talks, where it hopes to encourage other countries to bolster their own climate action.

Worldwide, emissions need to fall by 43 per cent by 2030 to stay on course with the Paris target. However, global emissions are still rising, with the most optimistic NDC scenario leading to around a 5.9 per cent cut by 2030. The UK’s negotiations, led by energy secretary Ed Miliband, will seek greater ambition from countries ahead of the next NDC deadline in February 2025.