According to Chris Stark, departing chief executive of the UK’s independent Climate Change Committee, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s actions have set back Britain’s efforts to combat climate change.

Stark, who will be leaving his position next week, expressed his concerns in an interview with the BBC, noting a decline in the ambition of UK climate policy.

Stark emphasised the difficulty of recovering from this setback, indicating that it has placed the country at a disadvantage compared to other nations.

His remarks suggest a need for increased efforts, particularly in addressing heating and industrial emissions, to prevent further regression.

Sunak’s decisions, influenced by pressure to address cost-of-living concerns and electoral considerations, have drawn criticism from environmental activists.

Some measures aimed at achieving net zero emissions have been diluted, sparking outrage among campaigners.

Sunak defends these actions as necessary to maintain public support and argues that the commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 remains intact.

However, Stark contends that more robust efforts are required, especially in the areas of heating homes, managing industrial emissions, and reforming farming and transport systems, to mitigate the risks associated with climate change.

In response to Stark’s comments, a government spokesperson highlighted Britain’s status as the first major economy to halve greenhouse gas emissions since 1990.

The spokesperson also pointed to the implementation of ambitious climate targets, including the commitment to achieve a 2035 milestone.

However, they emphasised the importance of sustainable approaches to reach net zero goals, citing actions taken to safeguard energy security, alleviate burdens on citizens, and provide transparency regarding policy choices.

Stark’s assessment underscores the need for stronger action to combat climate change in the UK.

While the government touts its achievements, Stark’s concerns highlight areas where more decisive measures are necessary to meet environmental targets effectively and maintain global competitiveness.

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