Zemo Partnership has published guidance for the new UK government on delivering a greener, net zero transport future.
The group made the move as transport is responsible for around a quarter of the total UK greenhouse gas emissions, making it the largest emitting sector of the economy.
For the UK to achieve its 2050 net-zero carbon emissions commitment, the decarbonisation of transport is an urgent priority, Zemo said.
The guidance sets out seven key principles to inform policy on delivering net zero transport– emphasising the importance of an economy-wide, whole-systems approach, and of maximising the many opportunities for the UK.
The seven key principles are:
- Act swiftly
- Take a multi-path approach
- Provide a stable policy environment
- Apply net zero solutions across the whole UK economy
- Deliver at national, regional and local level
- Ensure a fair and just transition
- Take people with us
Supplying the goods and services to enable the global net zero transition could be worth more than £1 trillion to UK businesses between 2021 and 2030, McKinsey estimates.
To coincide with the publication, the Council for Net Zero Transport has also announced the launch of a new Strategic Advisory Group, including CEOs of cross-sector trade organisations, which are vital to the delivery of net zero transport, it said.
The Council is chaired by The Rt Hon Lord Deben, former Chair of the Climate Change Committee and Environment Secretary.
Chair of the Council for Net Zero Transport Lord Deben said:
“Climate change will get worse every year and this means that it is crucial for the Government and industry to work together to focus on delivering the UK’s legally binding target of net zero by 2050.”
“The UK can and must deliver on the many opportunities offered by the fast-growing green economy. As we move into delivery, we must also face the difficult questions that we know must be addressed. That’s why now is the time to have an honest conversation about what will replace fuel duty. Road pricing cannot be dismissed.”
Zemo’s Executive Director, Claire Haigh, said:
“The climate challenge is more urgent than ever. A record 15 national heat records have been broken so far in 2024. Emissions – especially from transport – will need to decline much more rapidly if the UK’s targets are to be achieved.
“The more we delay, the more the net zero transition will cost. We must move fast to seize the opportunities. An ambitious industrial strategy would act as a catalyst for new technologies and innovation, bringing jobs and manufacturing to the UK. If we get this right, we will build a cleaner, safer and fairer future for us all.”
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