Strategic Findings
No easy options. 2050 targets feasible - but a demanding path.
To reduce the likelihood of climate change we must deliver radical change to improve energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. While there are no 'easy options', our report highlights the measures that will be necessary to meet the government's 2050 commitments.
Scale and urgency of challenge
Achieving an 80% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050 is feasible but extraordinarily challenging. It will require urgent and large-scale effort across every sector and a delay in any one sector will jeopardise meeting the commitment.
Few choices
Measures we have identified will need to be applied at the maximum practical level recognised in the study to be effective. Far from having the luxury of considering 'choices', our findings suggest that we have 'few choices' - measures must be fully applied if we are to meet the 2050 targets.
Leadership
The scale and rate of change necessary to improve energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions are such that market mechanisms will require sustained strong leadership from government to be effective.
Long-term economic management
Our study has found that in the future there will be a strong link between GDP growth and CO2 emissions. Small annual increases in GDP growth above long-term annual projections have the capability to generate considerable additional CO2 emissions and make hitting targets increasingly difficult.
Sector interactions
An integrated view across the economy is critical as actions taken in any one sector can create synergy or conflict with decisions in other sectors. For example, there is a synergy between wind generation and electric vehicles. The variable nature of wind generation reduces supply reliability, while the large-scale use of electric vehicles creates challenging electrical charging demands. The opportunity is for large-scale battery charging controlled by 'smart grid' technology to make the best use of variable wind energy.
Quick wins
Because of the impact of the measures, improved building insulation, improved industry energy efficiency and early widespread application of electric vehicles all offer valuable reductions in carbon emissions by 2020. Decisive action is needed to deliver these reductions.
Essential areas for further independent work and government action.
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