Presented to Parliament by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy by Command of His Majesty

Updated: September 2022

Command Paper: CP 744

The Paris Agreement provides for the international community to keep the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C.

In December 2020, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the UK) communicated its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in line with Article 4 of the Paris Agreement. In its NDC, the UK commits to reducing economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by at least 68% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.

At COP26 in November 2021, which the UK hosted in Glasgow, Parties resolved to pursue efforts to limit global temperature increase to 1.5°C. They recognised that this would require rapid, deep and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and accelerated action in this critical decade to 2030.

Parties also agreed in paragraph 29 of the Glasgow Climate Pact to “revisit and strengthen the 2030 targets in their NDCs as necessary to align with the Paris Agreement temperature goal by the end of 2022, taking into account different national circumstances” ^{[footnote 1]}.

In light of the Glasgow Climate Pact and the urgency conveyed by the latest science, the UK has been through a process to revisit its NDC and ensure it is aligned with the Paris Agreement temperature goal, whilst exploring ways to strengthen it in line with best practice. This process involved analysis of a range of factors including the latest available science, expectations in the Paris Agreement and the Glasgow Climate Pact, the UK’s existing 2050 net zero commitment, and energy security, as well as advice and evidence from the Climate Change Committee and other independent commentators.

The UK has strengthened its NDC in several ways, and these updates are reflected in the information to facilitate clarity, transparency and understanding (ICTU) accompanying the NDC, in compliance with Decision 4/CMA.1 ^{[footnote 2]}. In summary, these updates include:

i) Clarifying how the UK’s target - which remains a commitment to reduce economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by at least 68% by 2030 on 1990 levels - aligns with the Paris Agreement temperature goal;

ii) Explaining more fully how the UK will deliver its NDC by 2030, taking account of policies and plans announced since the NDC was first submitted in December 2020;

iii) Updating on the progress made in expanding the territorial scope of the NDC to include the UK’s Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories; and

iv) Improving other detailed aspects of the ICTU, for example information on the UK’s approach to levelling up, gender, green skills, public engagement, Just Transition and how the UK is supporting other countries with delivery of their NDCs.

The UK submitted its updated Adaptation Communication ^{[footnote 3]} to the UNFCCC in October 2021, ahead of COP26, in compliance with Decision 9/CMA.1 ^{[footnote 4]}. The Adaptation Communication sets out the UK’s domestic and international ambition and action on adaptation and resilience.

The UK submitted its first Finance Biennial Communication to the UNFCCC in 2020 ^{[footnote 5]} in fulfilment of Article 9.5 of the Paris Agreement. The UK will submit its second Finance Biennial Communication by the end of 2022.

Information to facilitate clarity, transparency and understanding

In line with Article 4, paragraph 8 of the Paris Agreement and Decision 4/CMA.1 the UK submits the following ICTU.

1. Quantifiable information on the reference point

1a. Reference year

For carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), the reference year is 1990.

For hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) the reference year is 1995.

These reference years are consistent with those used in the UK’s domestic emissions reduction targets under the Climate Change Act (2008).

1b. Quantifiable information on the reference indicators, their values in the reference year(s), base year(s), reference period(s) or other starting point(s), and, as applicable, in the target year

Reference indicator: Net ^{[footnote 6]} greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in MtCO2e.

The reference indicator (MtCO2e) in the reference years (1990 and 1995) will be based on the 1990-2030 UK GHG Inventory submitted to the UNFCCC in 2032. The value for the target year (2030) will be based on applying a 68% fixed percentage reduction target to the reference indicator value.

1c. For strategies, plans and actions referred to in Article 4, paragraph 6, of the Paris Agreement, or polices and measures as components of nationally determined contributions where paragraph 1(b) above is not applicable, Parties to provide other relevant information

Not applicable ^{[footnote 7]}.

2. Time Frame

2a. Time frame and/or period for implementation, including start and end date, consistent with any further relevant decision adopted by the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement

1 January 2021 - 31 December 2030.

2b. Whether it is a single-year or multi-year target, as applicable

Single-year target in 2030.

3. Scope and coverage

3a. General description of the target

An at least 68% economy-wide net reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 compared to reference year levels.

3b. Sectors, gases, categories and pools covered by the nationally determined contribution, including, as applicable, consistent with Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines

The sectors, gases, categories and pools covered by the UK’s NDC are based on the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, the 2013 IPCC Kyoto Protocol Supplement and the 2013 IPCC Wetlands Supplement. The UK also looks forward to implementing methodologies introduced by the 2019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines in the future.

Sectors covered

Energy (including transport); Industrial Processes and Product Use (IPPU); Agriculture; Land-use, Land-Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF); and Waste.

Gases covered

CO2, CH4, N2O, HFCs, PFCs, SF6 and NF3.

Pools covered

All LULUCF pools are included in the NDC: above ground biomass, below ground biomass, litter, deadwood soil organic carbon and stocks of harvested wood products.

3c. How paragraphs 31(c) and (d) of decision 1/CP.21 were taken into consideration

The UK’s NDC includes all IPCC sectors and GHGs covered by the UK’s current reporting obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (hereafter referred to as “the Convention”) and the Kyoto Protocol.

Territorial scope of the UK’s NDC

The NDC for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (“the UK’s NDC”) encompasses emissions and removals from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

It also includes emissions and removals from the UK Crown Dependency of the Bailiwick of Jersey and the Overseas Territory of Gibraltar, following the extension to them of the UK’s ratification of the Paris Agreement (and hence the territorial scope of the UK’s NDC).

Extension of the UK ratification of the Paris Agreement to the Crown Dependencies of the Bailiwick of Guernsey and to the Isle of Man is in progress and expected to be completed shortly. The UK Government (here on referred to as “His Majesty’s (HM) Government”) is consulting with other UK Overseas Territories on extension to them of the UK’s ratification of the Paris Agreement.

In the UK GHG Inventory submission to the UNFCCC, the UK reports emissions on behalf of the Crown Dependencies (Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man) and the Overseas Territories (Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar) which are covered by the UK’s ratification of the Convention. Collectively, emissions from these Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories currently constitute approximately 1% of total UK emissions ^{[footnote 8]}.

International Aviation and Shipping emissions

Emissions from International Aviation and Shipping are not included in the scope of this NDC, in line with advice from the Climate Change Committee (CCC), the UK’s independent advisors. The UK currently reports these emissions as a memo item in the UK’s GHG Inventory, ^{[footnote 9]} and is supportive of efforts to reduce these emissions through action under the International Civil Aviation Organisation and the International Maritime Organisation.

3d. Mitigation co-benefits resulting from Parties’ adaptation actions and/or economic diversification plans, including description of specific projects, measures and initiatives of Parties’ adaptation actions and/or economic diversification plans

Not applicable.

4. Planning processes

4a. Information on the planning processes that the Party undertook to prepare its nationally determined contribution and, if available, on the Party’s implementation plans, including, as appropriate:

4a(i). Domestic institutional arrangements, public participation and engagement with local communities and indigenous peoples, in a gender-responsive manner

Domestic institutional arrangements

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a Party to the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. The UK’s NDC represents a single, economy-wide emissions reduction target for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and for those Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories that the Paris Agreement has been extended to (See section 3c). The UK employs a range of institutional structures – at national, sub-national and local level - to enable economy-wide emissions mitigation, as well as numerous policies and measures to underpin delivery.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is responsible for the strategic oversight of the UK’s international climate and energy policy, and for HM Government’s domestic climate and energy policy. The Devolved Administrations ^{[footnote 10]} in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and the Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories have control over certain policy areas to deliver emissions reductions, while HM Government retains control over a number of other policy areas. The approach taken by each government will differ, drawing on the range of powers at their disposal.

The legally binding Climate Change Act 2008 sets a framework for the UK to reduce GHG emissions and build capacity to adapt and strengthen resilience to climate risks ^{[footnote 11]}. The Act originally committed the UK to cut its emissions by at least 80% below the 1990 baseline level by 2050 ^{[footnote 12]}. On 27 June 2019, this target was amended, committing the UK to a legally- binding target of net zero emissions by 2050, set on a whole-economy basis.

The Climate Change Act introduced carbon budgets for the UK, which cap emissions over successive five-year periods and must be set 12 years in advance. The first six carbon budgets cover the period from 2008-37.

The Act also established the Climate Change Committee (CCC) – the independent statutory body that advises HM Government and Devolved Administrations on climate change mitigation and adaptation, including emissions reduction targets. When providing advice, the CCC considers a wide range of factors including the UK’s international obligations under the Paris Agreement and the UNFCCC.

As climate change policy is devolved, the Devolved Administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own statutory emissions reduction targets. The Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories are also responsible for setting their own emission reduction targets. HM Government and the Devolved Administrations have established governance arrangements at ministerial and official level to co-ordinate the approach to meeting net zero. HM Government will work on delivery of the UK NDC with the Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories that have had the Paris Agreement extended to them.

Scotland has its own distinct framework of statutory climate change targets, set under the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 ^{[footnote 13]} and amended by the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019 ^{[footnote 14]}. This legislation includes targets for Scotland to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, and interim targets of 75% and 90% reductions in emissions by 2030 and 2040 respectively, relative to a 1990-95 baseline. To help ensure delivery of the long-term targets, the Scottish framework also includes statutory annual targets for every year to net zero.

Wales’ emission targets are set through the Environment (Wales) Act (2016) ^{[footnote 15]}. In March 2021, the Senedd increased its ambition and formally committed Wales to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Alongside the net zero target, the Act was updated to reflect the revised interim targets and the second and third carbon budgets, which are now set as:

• Carbon Budget 2 (2021-25): 37% average reduction (without the use of international offsets)
• Carbon Budget 3 (2026-30): 58% average reduction
• 2030: 63% reduction
• 2040: 89% reduction
• 2050: at least 100% reduction (net zero)

The Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 ^{[footnote 16]} received Royal Assent on 6 June 2022. This provides a basis for setting targets for the reduction of emissions. The Act includes a target of 100% reduction in emissions by 2050, against the 1990-95 baseline.

For more information on the UK’s and Devolved Administrations’ approach to tackling climate change, please see Chapter 3 in the UK’s Eighth National Communication ^{[footnote 17]} and the CCC’s Insight Briefings ^{[footnote 18]}.

The UK’s NDC was informed by the UK’s commitments under the Paris Agreement, the UK’s legally binding net zero commitment and guidance from the CCC, amongst other factors. The ICTU was prepared in collaboration with HM Government departments and the Devolved Administrations.

The process to revisit and strengthen the UK’s NDC in line with the Glasgow Climate Pact was led by BEIS and agreed through HM Government governance structures at official and Ministerial level, including through the Climate Action Implementation Cabinet Committee (see Section 6 for more on the process followed).

Policies and measures

Delivery of the UK’s NDC will draw on a range of policies and measures already in place, as well as policies and measures that will be developed in the future.

The UK’s Net Zero Strategy, published in 2021, sets out how the UK will deliver on Carbon Budgets 4, 5 and 6 and the Nationally Determined Contribution, and keep us on track to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 ^{[footnote 19]}. It includes policies and proposals to reduce emissions for each sector of the economy, and cross-cutting action to support the transition to net zero by 2050. The Net Zero Strategy was submitted to the UNFCCC in October 2021 as the UK’s revised Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy under Article 4, paragraph 19 of the Paris Agreement.

Since publishing the Net Zero Strategy, economic conditions have changed significantly, due primarily to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Energy prices and inflation have risen sharply, the former to record levels. The UK Prime Minister has therefore announced an independent review of the Government’s approach to meeting its net zero 2050 target, to ensure it is delivered in a way that is pro-business and pro-growth.

Underpinning the Net Zero Strategy the UK has also published a range of sectoral strategies, which will support delivery of the NDC by 2030. These include the Energy White Paper ^{[footnote 20]}, the North Sea Transition Deal ^{[footnote 21]}, the Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy ^{[footnote 22]}, the Transport Decarbonisation Plan ^{[footnote 23]}, the Hydrogen Strategy ^{[footnote 24]} and the Heat and Buildings Strategy ^{[footnote 25]}. Most recently, the British Energy Security Strategy ^{[footnote 26]} sets out how Great Britain will accelerate homegrown power for greater energy independence ^{[footnote 27]}.

As COP Presidency the UK also built international support for, and signed up to, a range of sectoral pledges announced at COP26 in November 2021. These include the Global Coal to Clean Power Transition Statement ^{[footnote 28]}, the Statement on international public support for the clean energy transition ^{[footnote 29]}, the Glasgow Leaders Declaration on Forests and Land Use ^{[footnote 30]}, the Glasgow Breakthroughs Agenda on clean energy, road transport, steel, hydrogen and agriculture ^{[footnote 31]}, the Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) Declaration ^{[footnote 32]}, the Product Efficiency Call to Action ^{[footnote 33]}, and the Global Methane Pledge ^{[footnote 34]}.

Since its NDC was first communicated in December 2020, the UK has made progress on a range of specific policies and measures that will support delivery of the NDC. For example, as of September 2022, when the UK submitted its updated NDC, the UK has:

• Invested substantially in clean energy, committing up to £1.7 billion to increase the UK’s nuclear energy production and over £1.6 billion to advance offshore wind capacity to meet the UK’s 50GW target by 2050;
• Published the first three investor roadmaps for automotive, hydrogen and carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS). These are the first in a series of roadmaps to be published over the course of 2022 for each sector of the Government’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, showcasing how the UK is delivering on its green commitments;
• Launched the £240 million Net Zero Hydrogen Fund to drive the industry forward and developed plans for the next stage of the Hydrogen Village trial, where 2,000 occupied homes, offices and other buildings will all use 100% hydrogen for a period of at least 12 months;
• Committed to phase out unabated coal power by 2024 and to fully decarbonise the power system by 2035;
• Committed to ending HM Government’s direct support for the fossil fuel energy sector overseas;
• Committed to ending the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, and for all new cars and vans to be fully zero emission at the tailpipe by 2035 - and launched a consultation on this in April 2022 ^{[footnote 35]};
• Undertaken to explore updating and expanding ‘Ecodesign’ product regulation which sets minimum requirements to phase out the least energy and resource efficient products from the market; and
• Begun considering the recommendations from the Climate Change Committee to set targets for ore-based steelmaking to reach near zero emissions by 2035.

Additionally, the UK’s agriculture sector will contribute towards the UK’s NDC, and HM Government will support farmers to take up low carbon practices and technologies, simultaneously helping to improve business productivity and profitability gains. As highlighted in the Net Zero Strategy, one of the ways the UK will do this is through supporting actions that produce environmental benefits.

The Net Zero Strategy built on the detail set out in the England Tree Action Plan ^{[footnote 36]} and England Peat Action Plan ^{[footnote 37]}, on how the UK will use nature-based solutions (including peatlands and trees), to tackle climate change and help avert its impacts. Initiatives include:

• The £750m Nature for Climate Fund, which is helping to protect, restore, expand and support the resilience of habitats such as peat bogs and woodlands;
• Support for farmers and landowners to create woodland and restore peatlands; and
• Exploration of setting a long-term tree planting target through the UK’s Environmental Targets.

Under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, the UK is taking ambitious action to phase down the UK’s use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). As committed to in the Net Zero Strategy, HM Government will conduct a review of the F-gas Regulation ^{[footnote 38]} and publish a report in due course. This will set out any further measures the UK can take to reduce HFC use in favour of climate friendly, energy efficient alternatives.

Collectively, these strategies, pledges, policies and measures will support delivery of the UK’s NDC by 2030, as well as the UK’s domestic carbon budgets and net zero by 2050.

The Climate Change Committee’s Progress Report to Parliament, published in June 2022, included a range of recommendations on how the UK can make further progress in delivering against its emissions reduction targets including the NDC ^{[footnote 39]}. HM Government will respond to the Committee’s report, and update on the progress made on the delivery pathway to Net Zero in due course.

The UK’s Adaptation Communication contains more details on the UK’s adaptation plans.

The UK will submit its Methane Memorandum at COP27 in November 2022.

Devolved Administrations

Under Scotland’s statutory framework, a Climate Change Plan setting out policies and proposals to meet the emissions reduction targets must be published at least every five years and prepared with reference to a set of statutory Just Transition and Climate Justice principles. In March 2021, the Scottish Government updated its Climate Change Plan ^{[footnote 40]} (which should be read alongside the original 2018 Plan ^{[footnote 41]}), setting out over 200 policies and proposals to cut greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors of the Scottish economy over the period to 2032. The updated Plan reflects the increase in target ambition from the Climate Change (Emissions Reductions Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019, in response to the global goals of the Paris Agreement.

Under the Environment (Wales) Act, each new administration is required to set out a plan containing policies and proposals to meet the carbon budget. The Welsh Government has taken the first step towards a net zero pathway for 2050 in publishing Net Zero Wales ^{[footnote 42]}, in October 2021, covering Wales’s second carbon budget period 2021–25. It contains 123 policies and proposals across all ministerial portfolios and looks beyond to start building the foundations for Wales’s third carbon budget and 2030 target, as well as net zero by 2050. The plan focuses on the need to “outperform” this second carbon budget of 37% average reduction in emissions, in line with the Climate Change Committee’s recommendation. This is because Wales’s third carbon budget (2026–30) requires an average reduction of 58%, reflecting the huge step change Wales needs to make if its actions are to have time to take effect.

In October 2021, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs launched a public consultation on a Green Growth Strategy for Northern Ireland ^{[footnote 43]}. The Green Growth Strategy is the Northern Ireland Executive’s multi-decade strategy, balancing climate, environment and the economy in Northern Ireland. It sets out the long-term vision for tackling the climate crisis and will be underpinned by the provisions of the recently passed Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 with which it closely aligns. This longer-term Strategy will be delivered through a series of Climate Action Plans aligned to carbon budget periods, the first of which is to be developed by the end of 2023 and which will set out a series of policies and proposals to achieve the first carbon budget for the period 2023-27. The Green Growth Strategy is currently awaiting sign off by the NI Executive. Additionally, The Path to Net Zero ^{[footnote 44]} is Northern Ireland’s current energy strategy and sets a long-term vision of net zero carbon and affordable energy for Northern Ireland by 2050.

Local authorities

Local authorities play an essential role in driving action to tackle climate change with significant influence in energy, housing and transport. Across the UK, local authorities are actively driving progress on net zero. Local Government can also attract net zero private sector investment, which complements national approaches to attracting net zero investment.

HM Government works closely with local government and has provided support to help them contribute to delivering net zero. This includes:

• Establishing five Local Net Zero Hubs, each covering a region of England. The Hubs promote best practice and support local authorities to develop net zero projects and attract commercial investment;
• Funding work to develop business models to increase private sector investment in local net zero; and
• Running the Local Net Zero Forum for national and local senior government officials to discuss local net zero policy and delivery issues.

Gender-responsive action

The UK recognises that women and girls – alongside other marginalised people – are disproportionately impacted by climate change and are also critical leaders and agents of change in climate action. The UK is dedicated to promoting equality and inclusion, including women’s empowerment, gender equality and the implementation of the UNFCCC Gender Action Plan. Public authorities must fulfil responsibilities set out under the UK’s Equality Act (2010) ^{[footnote 45]}, which covers a range of protected characteristics.

The UK has agreed nuclear ^{[footnote 46]} and offshore wind sector ^{[footnote 47]} deals with specific targets established to increase workforce diversity. The UK also supports industry-led initiatives like POWERful women ^{[footnote 48]} in order to address the lack of gender diversity in the green economy. The UK signed up to the Clean Energy Ministerial Clean Energy Education and Empowerment (C3E) Initiative ^{[footnote 49]} in 2020. This initiative aims to advance women’s participation in the clean energy revolution and enable greater gender diversity in the clean energy professions. Under the UK’s G7 Presidency, G7 countries reaffirmed and strengthened their commitments under the Equal by 30 Campaign, the Clean Energy Ministerial campaign under which countries have committed to working towards equal pay, equal leadership and equal opportunities for women in the clean energy sector by 2030 ^{[footnote 50]}.

The UK joined the International Energy Agency (IEA) Gender Advisory Council in 2021, which is intended to guide work on gender diversity and improve equal opportunities in the energy sector. It will help to take forward the IEA Gender Diversity Initiative and will strengthen collaboration with C3E and Equal by 30. During its COP26 Presidency, the UK sought to advance gender equality in its own climate action, to urge others to enhance gender-responsive climate action in their national contexts, and to learn from and amplify the good practices of other countries and observer organisations. The Glasgow Climate Pact resulted in strengthened language on gender and inclusion. The UK has provided funding and support to widen participation including the full, meaningful, and equal participation and leadership of women in all aspects of the UNFCCC.

The UK continues to work with delivery partners to capture the impacts of International Climate Finance (ICF) programmes on certain groups of people and to embed gender mainstreaming into every stage of the programme cycle. The UK’s Climate Ambition Support Alliance (CASA) ^{[footnote 51]} has provided funding for the active participation of women from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in negotiations and has supported the European Capacity Building Initiative’s (ecbi) Women Negotiator Mentoring Initiative. The UK PACT (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions) ^{[footnote 52]} programme has developed gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) guidance ^{[footnote 53]}. This includes a requirement for applicants to state how their projects could support women and/or marginalised groups. As part of its commitments under the Generation Equality Forum’s Action Coalition on Feminist Action for Climate Justice ^{[footnote 54]}, the UK will strengthen collection and use of data on gender, inclusion and climate.

Just Transition

The UK is dedicated to supporting workers, communities and businesses to transition to net zero. HM Government convened the Green Jobs Taskforce ^{[footnote 55]} to advise on the actions that government, industry and the education sector can take to create the skilled workforce to deliver net zero while supporting workers in high carbon sectors with the transition. It will also look to explore what actions can be taken across industry to improve diversity in the green economy, including improving data collection and transparency.

Signed by over 30 major donor countries under the UK’s COP Presidency, the International Just Transition Declaration ^{[footnote 56]} commits, for the first time, to embedding labour and human rights principles into overseas funding in developing and emerging economies. This supports a range of activities, from supporting social dialogues to investing in new, decent jobs for all. The Declaration also commits countries to ensuring that workers and communities in outgoing high-carbon supply chains are supported, and that procurement is made from green supply chains that adhere to minimum labour standards.

The UK recognises the critical need to work in partnership with high emitting developing countries who want to take ambitious climate action and accelerate their clean energy transitions. Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs) tailor international support to individual countries’ plans focused on the many thousands of people who still rely on fossil fuels for their livelihoods. The UK is leading efforts to deliver the ground-breaking South African JETP announced at COP26 and is working together with G7 and other partners to support further JETPs ^{[footnote 57]}.

Public participation and engagement

As agreed at COP26, the Glasgow Work Programme on Action for Climate Empowerment highlights the key role that a broad range of stakeholders - such as national, regional and local governments, non-governmental organisations, scientists, youth, women and indigenous peoples - play in fostering greener economies.

The UK is a Party to the Aarhus Convention, a United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Treaty which provides for access to information, public participation in decision making and access to justice in environmental matters.

The UK’s NDC has been informed by guidance from the Climate Change Committee (CCC), in the context of the UK’s legally binding net zero commitment. In producing its advice the CCC relies on a range of evidence, including expert and stakeholder sources. For example, the CCC has in the past run public calls for evidence, roundtables and workshops with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), industry stakeholders and trade associations, and held more than 200 meetings with individual stakeholders across all sectors. More information on this can be found in the CCC’s Insight Briefings ^{[footnote 58]}.

The approach towards the UK’s NDC was discussed in meetings with NGOs, civil society and business groups, and covered in correspondence with representatives of these groups and interested Parliamentarians. A copy of the UK’s updated NDC will be laid in the UK’s Houses of Parliament.

The Net Zero Strategy is a key element of how HM Government informs the public about achieving the UK’s carbon commitments. A wide range of stakeholders were engaged to support the development of the strategy, including organisations that represent business interests, NGOs, local sectors, and public facing bodies. In 2020, BEIS invited a diverse group of 93 members of the public to join deliberative dialogues on net zero, to get an insight into their understanding and views of net zero, their perceptions on what role the public should play in reaching net zero and how we can best bring the public along with us. The findings of these dialogues were considered and informed the development of the Net Zero Strategy.

HM Government has also run and funded public workshops and deliberative dialogues on a range of net zero issues such as net zero homes, heating, transport decarbonisation, hydrogen, food, Carbon Capture Use and Storage (CCUS), Advanced Nuclear Technologies (ANT), energy, and the environment. HM Government also ran a public consultation on the approach to the UK Emissions Trading Scheme ^{[footnote 59]} in March 2022.

The Welsh Government’s Engagement approach around Climate Change 2022-26 ^{[footnote 60]} was published in June 2022 and provides a framework for working with Team Wales partners around the delivery of Net Zero Wales (Carbon Budget 2) ^{[footnote 61]}. A new draft Strategy for Public Engagement and Action on Climate Change 2022-26 will be published for consultation in October 2022.

The Scottish Government launched a new Public Engagement Strategy for Climate Change in September 2021 ^{[footnote 62]}. The Strategy recognises the vital role of public and community engagement in facilitating a societal transition to a net zero and climate resilient nation. Scotland’s Climate Assembly brought together over 100 people, broadly representative of the Scottish population, to learn about, discuss and make recommendations on how Scotland should change to tackle the climate emergency in a fair and effective way. The full report of Scotland’s Climate Assembly was laid in Scottish Parliament in June 2021, with the Scottish Government issuing a detailed response to their recommendations in December 2021.

The Northern Ireland Executive, in developing and bringing forward policies and strategies such as the Green Growth Strategy, the Path to Net Zero Energy Strategy ^{[footnote 63]} and the recently passed Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 have undertaken extensive engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. This engagement will continue with the development of the first Climate Action Plan for Northern Ireland and other key deliverables arising out of the new legislation.

The UK will continue to carry out a wide range of engagement with a cross-section of society including experts, industry, non-governmental organisations, trade bodies and the wider public, helping to shape plans and policies for reaching net zero emissions by 2050.

Youth and Children

The Glasgow Climate Pact urges Parties and stakeholders to ensure meaningful youth participation and representation in multilateral, national and local decision-making processes. The UK will continue to ensure that young people are engaged in both the design and implementation of climate-related policies where relevant. For example, the UK Department for Education (DfE) engaged Civil Society, NGOs, educators and young people to develop a sustainability and climate change strategy for the education and children services system. This included a youth panel so young people could share their views and inform the development of the strategy.

4a(ii) Contextual matters, including:

4a(ii)a National circumstances, such as geography, climate, economy, sustainable development and poverty eradication

For the UK’s national circumstances, including climate, population and economy, please see the UK’s Eighth National Communication.

Sustainable development and poverty eradication

The UK is committed to the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For more information about the UK’s approach to the SDGs, please see the UK’s Voluntary National Review ^{[footnote 64]}.

4a(ii)b Best practice and experience related to the preparation of the nationally determined contribution

The UK’s NDC follows the rules for transparency and understanding set out in Decision 4/CMA.1.

As described in Section 4a(i), development of the NDC has been closely linked with the UK’s domestic processes for delivery of the net zero commitment under the framework of the Climate Change Act. It also takes into account best available science and evidence, as well as guidance from the CCC ^{[footnote 65]}.

A range of HM Government departments were involved in setting the UK’s economy-wide emissions reduction target. This is crucial, given that ownership of the policies required to reduce emissions is spread across government. Going forward, the UK will continue to follow UNFCCC guidelines and use domestic governance and engagement to track progress against the NDC.

For more information on the UK’s domestic institutional structures and GHG inventory governance, see Section 4a(i). For more information on the UK’s process in reviewing its NDC in line with the Glasgow Climate Pact, see Section 6.

4a(ii)c Other contextual aspirations and priorities acknowledged when joining the Paris Agreement

Beyond the communication of an NDC, the UK continues to make progress on priority policy areas that are crucial to the UK’s overall approach to climate action.

Food security and policy

The UK’s Agriculture Act ^{[footnote 66]} obligates HM Government to produce a domestic and international food security report every three years. The UK published its first Food Security report under the Agriculture Act in December 2021 ^{[footnote 67]}.

The UK is committed to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Goal 2 on ending hunger.

Scotland’s National Performance Framework (NPF) ^{[footnote 68]}, which integrates the SDGs alongside National Outcomes, is an important part of Scotland’s localisation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development ensuring that these objectives are increasingly located at the centre of policymaking and delivery. The NPF has a focus on tackling inequalities so that no one in Scotland is left behind when progressing the SDGs and National Outcomes simultaneously.

Ocean and marine environment

The UK’s vision for the marine environment is for clean, healthy, safe, and biologically diverse ocean and seas. The sustainable use, protection and restoration of the UK’s marine environment is underpinned by the UK Marine and Coastal Access Act (2009) ^{[footnote 69]}, the Environment Act (2021) ^{[footnote 70]} and Fisheries Act (2020) ^{[footnote 71]}, UK Marine Policy Statement ^{[footnote 72]}, Marine Strategy ^{[footnote 73]}, commitment to an ecologically coherent well-managed network of Marine Protected Areas, and Joint Fisheries Statement. Through the UK Marine Strategy, HM Government and Devolved Administrations are working closely together to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) in the UK’s seas.

The UK’s National Adaptation Programme ^{[footnote 74]} outlines how the UK will address marine climate risks by introducing a Sustainable Fisheries policy, giving consideration to climate change in marine planning, building ecological resilience at sea.

The Scottish Government has set out a new Blue Economy vision for the sustainable management of Scotland’s seas, establishing long term outcomes to 2045 and including a dedicated climate outcome to support ecosystem health, improved livelihoods, economic prosperity, social inclusion and wellbeing. New actions to increase protection of the marine environment include; delivery of a network of highly protected marine areas by 2026, fishery management measures across the Marine Protected Areas network by 2024 and introduction of a Scottish Wild Salmon Strategy. New evidence is also being delivered through the Scottish Blue Carbon Forum, building upon actions set out in the second Scottish Climate Change Adaptation Programme ^{[footnote 75]} to address Scotland’s marine climate risks.

In November 2019 the Welsh Government published the first Welsh National Marine Plan ^{[footnote 76]}. This sets out policy for the next 20 years to achieve healthy and resilient seas and marine ecosystems, in support of a thriving, sustainable economy. The Plan provides the strategic framework to enable renewable energy generation at sea.

The draft Marine Plan for Northern Ireland ^{[footnote 77]}, published in April 2018, supports the UK Marine Policy Statement, the UK Marine Strategy and the UK’s vision for the marine environment. The sustainable development of Northern Ireland’s marine area is further underpinned by the Marine Act (Northern Ireland) 2013 ^{[footnote 78]} and the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 ^{[footnote 79]}. The Plan represents the first step in sustainably managing Northern Ireland’s marine area in supporting economic, environmental and social objectives. A second iteration of the Plan is currently being drafted which will take account of the advancements in science, technology, policy and legislation, particularly in relation to climate change mitigation and adaption including Blue Carbon, Sustainable Fisheries and Offshore Renewable Energy. The Marine Plan for Northern Ireland is expected to be finalised, adopted and published in 2023.

Terrestrial biodiversity

Given the mutually reinforcing effects of climate change and biodiversity loss on people and the planet, an integrated approach is the only way to address these issues. HM Government is developing a 2030 strategic framework for international climate and nature action that will set out the UK’s integrated approach to tackling both challenges.

The UK will fulfil its responsibilities under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) ^{[footnote 80]}, the Ramsar Convention ^{[footnote 81]} and the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature ^{[footnote 82]} - including implementation of the CBD vision that by 2050 biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored and wisely used, maintains ecosystem services, sustains a healthy planet and delivers benefits essential for all people. This will provide significant climate mitigation and adaptation benefits.

UK domestic biodiversity policy is devolved. In England, the UK’s 25 Year Environment Plan (25YEP) ^{[footnote 83]} set out the aim to support nature’s recovery and restore historical losses, including for the marine environment. Since then, HM Government has introduced the Environment Act 2021 that introduces ambitious measures to address the biggest environmental priorities of our age, including restoring nature. The Act requires a new, legally binding and world-leading target to be set to halt the decline in species abundance by 2030. This is in addition to setting at least one long-term legally binding target for biodiversity. In England, the original plan was to publish a standalone strategy to replace Biodiversity 2020. The delays to the development of the CBD Global Framework however have provided an opportunity to integrate ambitions and approach to nature recovery into a refreshed Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), set to be published by January 2023. This will link together the different objectives, plans and mechanisms for achieving biodiversity targets and recovering nature.

The Scottish Government is committed to delivering improved and enduring benefits to the natural environment through the Environment Strategy for Scotland ^{[footnote 84]}. Sitting beneath this, the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy ^{[footnote 85]} will take account of the new post-2020 global biodiversity framework and targets for the Convention on Biological Diversity’s 2050 vision. The Scottish Biodiversity Programme ^{[footnote 86]} has been created to coordinate all activity on biodiversity including the development of a future strategic framework for biodiversity that compromises both terrestrial and marine aspects.

The Nature Recovery Action Plan (NRAP) is the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Wales ^{[footnote 87]}. It sets out how the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Strategic Plan for Biodiversity and the associated Aichi Biodiversity Targets are addressed in Wales. The NRAP has been refreshed for 2020-21 to prioritise the maintenance and improvement of resilient ecological networks and transformative change. Relevant actions include developing the new Sustainable Land Management scheme and the National Forest for Wales, work to improve the condition of Protected Sites Network, and the National Peatland Action Programme. The NRAP will be realigned to address the post-2020 framework for the Convention on Biological Diversity in line with commitments made under the Edinburgh Declaration ^{[footnote 88]} and the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature. In Northern Ireland, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) completed a public consultation on a future Environment Strategy for Northern Ireland in January 2022 ^{[footnote 89]}. This will be Northern Ireland’s first overarching Environment Strategy and subject to the approval of the Northern Ireland Executive, it will be adopted as Northern Ireland’s Environmental Improvement Plan under the Environment Act 2021.

A new Biodiversity Strategy for Northern Ireland is being developed to take account of the post-2020 framework and targets for the Convention on Biological Diversity’s 2050 vision. This strategy will commit Northern Ireland to relevant actions on a number of important issues, including implementing nature-based solutions for tackling climate change and reversing biodiversity loss in line with the commitments made under the Edinburgh Declaration and the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature.

Education and skills

The UK is strengthening awareness of and building consensus in tackling climate change through various education initiatives at all stages of life, including: a new education course on climate science for 16- to 18-year-olds; a Green Home Grant Skills Training competition to support training for installation of energy efficient and low carbon heating measures; and initiatives as part of the UK’s Offshore Wind Sector Deal.

The UK also supports gender balance in physics and computing to increase Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) take up amongst girls. For example, the UK is funding the Institute of Physics to deliver the Improving Gender Balance research trial. This randomised control trial will scale up an approach that has shown significant early promise in increasing girls’ uptake of A level physics. Since 2010, there has been a 31% increase in girls’ entries to STEM A levels in England, and there are now one million women working in core STEM occupations. Between 2010 and 2019, the number of women accepted onto full-time STEM undergraduate courses also increased by 34% in the UK.

The Net Zero Strategy sets out HM Government’s plans to work with industry to create the skilled workforce to deliver net zero. This includes green apprenticeships, retraining bootcamps, publishing a climate and sustainability strategy for education and children services, and establishing the Green Jobs Delivery Group with industry. The Green Jobs Delivery Group is the central forum through which government, industry and other key stakeholders work together to ensure the UK has the workforce needed to deliver a green industrial revolution.

Additionally, HM Government is proud to have published the Department for Education’s Strategy for Sustainability and Climate Change for Education and Children’s Services in April 2022.The strategy sets out key actions in climate education and green skills which will equip children, young people and adult learners with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to the green economy. This includes the development of a new GCSE in Natural History, to be taught in schools by 2025. This GCSE will give young people a further opportunity to engage with and develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of the natural world.

The Scottish Government’s Climate Emergency Skills Action Plan provides a framework for skills planning, development and investment across sectors of the economy known to be crucial to achieving net zero. As part of this, the Green Jobs Workforce Academy was launched in August 2021 and is an invaluable step in preparing Scotland’s current and future workforce for green careers. For workers in high carbon sectors, the Scottish Government has committed to launch a Skills Guarantee – to ensure that individuals who are making the move to employment in new, green jobs, have access to career guidance and retraining opportunities. In addition, Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence ^{[footnote 90]} incorporates an emphasis on the cross-cutting theme of Learning for Sustainability – a term that brings together sustainable development education, global citizenship and outdoor learning. A refreshed and strengthened Learning for Sustainability Action Plan ^{[footnote 91]} will help to ensure that all children and young people in Scotland have the opportunity to experience this vital area of education.

The Welsh Government is investing in people to develop the skills needed for a low-carbon, circular economy, including reskilling workers in existing industries. The Welsh Government will seek to exploit the opportunities of this transition to secure greater added value in sectors like energy and housing (timber in construction and modular housing).

In Northern Ireland, the Department for Economy’s 10X Economy ^{[footnote 92]} sets out the vision for the 2020s as a decade of innovation bringing opportunity and growth. The Energy Strategy discusses the substantial and underpinning role of skills development in delivering on Northern Ireland’s commitment to a net zero carbon future – and the focus on innovation, research and development is reinforced in the Green Growth Strategy. The Skills Strategy consultation ^{[footnote 93]} recognises that a transformational change in skills is required to take advantage of Northern Ireland’s scale, yet whilst addressing the challenges in the skills sector. A Skills Audit to identify the skills and training needs for energy decarbonisation is planned for 2022-23. Skill Up, a flexible skills programme, also provides a range of opportunities in the green technologies area, with courses and qualifications available in hydrogen, heat pumps, retrofitting, solar and electrical vehicles across the further and higher education sectors in 2022 and 2023.

Sustainable lifestyles and sustainable patterns of consumption and production

The UK is committed to delivering a sustainable food system, ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious and healthier food, while meeting our commitment to broadly maintain food production ^{[footnote 94]}. The Resources and Waste Strategy ^{[footnote 95]} sets out England’s plans to move away from a linear economy, towards a more circular and sustainable economy in which natural resources are used efficiently and waste is minimised. The UK Environment Act 2021 further provides the powers to significantly change the way that waste is managed and take forward a number of the proposals from the Resources and Waste Strategy and the Net Zero Strategy.

The Scottish Government recognises the transition to net zero will require significant lifestyle changes. Scotland’s Heat in Buildings Strategy ^{[footnote 96]} sets out the pathway to achieving net-zero emissions from Scotland’s buildings, and making them warmer, greener and more efficient, by 2045. Scotland’s National Transport Strategy ^{[footnote 97]} embeds the sustainable travel hierarchy in decision making, enabling people to make sustainable travel choices and improve the lives of future generations by promoting health and wellbeing. Scotland’s Making Things Last Strategy ^{[footnote 98]} sets out priorities for achieving a move towards a more circular economy – where products and materials are kept in high value use for as long as possible. The Scottish Government has recently consulted on proposals for a Circular Economy Bill ^{[footnote 99]} which includes proposals for a duty to publish a Scottish Circular Economy Strategy every five years.

The Welsh Government has consulted on a new Circular Economy Strategy ^{[footnote 100]}. This proposed a range of actions which seek to keep resources in use for longer and avoid waste. The final Strategy will be published in the coming months. The Welsh Government is also stimulating innovation through its Circular Economy Funds, awarding around £40m to businesses and publicly funded bodies to date. Northern Ireland published the second iteration of the national Waste Prevention Programme Stopping Waste in its Tracks ^{[footnote 101]} in 2019. The programme aims to decouple waste from growth and the actions contained within are designed to help Northern Ireland transition to a low-carbon circular economy. A Northern Ireland Circular Economy Strategy is being developed that proposes to design out waste and manage resources to preserve value. It is scheduled to go out for consultation in autumn 2022.

Health and air pollution

Air pollution is the top environmental risk to human health in the UK. The UK’s Clean Air Strategy ^{[footnote 102]} sets out how the UK will tackle all types of air pollution, making the air healthier to breathe and protecting nature. This will save lives and reduce health inequalities, in line with protecting the right to health as set out in the Paris Agreement.

The Scottish Government published its Cleaner Air for Scotland strategy ^{[footnote 103]} in 2015 setting out a series of actions for improving air quality across a wide range of policy areas. Following an independent review of the strategy in 2019 ^{[footnote 104]}, which made recommendations for additional action on air pollution, a new strategy - Cleaner Air for Scotland 2: Towards a Better Place for Everyone - was published in July 2021 ^{[footnote 105]}. This sets out Scotland’s air quality policy framework for the period 2021 to 2026 with a continued focus on delivery of co-benefits for air pollutant and greenhouse gas reductions.

The Clean Air Plan for Wales: Healthy Air, Healthy Wales sets the Welsh Government’s commitment and long-term ambition to improve air quality, and the steps it will take to deliver this ^{[footnote 106]}.

In 2020, Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs issued a Discussion Document on Northern Ireland’s first Clean Air Strategy to public consultation ^{[footnote 107]}. A synopsis of the responses has now been published and an inter-departmental working group has been established to further develop proposals and identify policies for cross-departmental consideration. The Draft Clean Air Strategy will be subject to further public consultation which is planned for December 2022, in advance of seeking NI Executive approval.

4b. Specific information applicable to Parties, including regional economic integration organizations and their member States, that have reached an agreement to act jointly under Article 4, paragraph 2, of the Paris Agreement, including the Parties that agreed to act jointly and the terms of the agreement, in accordance with Article 4, paragraphs 16–18, of the Paris Agreement

Not applicable.

4c. How the Party’s preparation of its nationally determined contribution has been informed by the outcomes of the Global Stocktake, in accordance with Article 4, paragraph 9, of the Paris Agreement

In Paris, 2015, it was agreed that Parties would take stock of their collective efforts in a Facilitative Dialogue in 2018, later called the Talanoa Dialogue. It was decided that the Talanoa Dialogue would play a role in informing the next round of NDCs, and this was reinforced in Decision 1/CP.24 ^{[footnote 108]}.

Several Talanoa events took place in the UK in 2018, including one involving the Fijian COP23 Presidency. The UK found this process valuable thanks to the rich and open exchanges and learnt from the experiences and solutions shared by others, which alongside the latest science, informed UK approaches on the way forward.

Following the Talanoa Dialogue, the UK took note alongside other Parties of the Call for Action ^{[footnote 109]} which Parties were invited to consider when preparing their NDCs. The UK recognises the need for the global community to go further to mitigate the harmful effects of climate change. The UK’s NDC has been prepared using the best available science, in the spirit of the Talanoa Dialogue, including the IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5C ^{[footnote 110]} and the 6th Assessment Report ^{[footnote 111]}.

The UK is actively engaged in the first Global Stocktake and looks forward to considering its outcomes in the implementation of its NDC in due course.

4d. Each Party with a nationally determined contribution under Article 4 of the Paris Agreement that consists of adaptation action and/or economic diversification plans resulting in mitigation co-benefits consistent with Article 4, paragraph 7, of the Paris Agreement to submit information on:

4d(i) How the economic and social consequences of response measures have been considered in developing the nationally determined contribution

Not applicable.

4d(ii) Specific projects, measures and activities to be implemented to contribute to mitigation co- benefits, including information on adaptation plans that also yield mitigation co-benefits, which may cover, but are not limited to, key sectors, such as energy, resources, water resources, coastal resources, human settlements and urban planning, agriculture and forestry; and economic diversification actions, which may cover, but are not limited to, sectors such as manufacturing and industry, energy and mining, transport and communication, construction, tourism, real estate, agriculture and fisheries

Not applicable.

5. Assumptions and methodological approaches, including those for estimating and accounting for anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and, as appropriate, removals

5a. Assumptions and methodological approaches used for accounting for anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and removals corresponding to the Party’s nationally determined contribution, consistent with decision 1/CP.21, paragraph 31, and accounting guidance adopted by the CMA

In accordance with the modalities, procedures and guidelines outlined in Decisions 4/CMA.1 and 18/CMA.1 of the Paris Rulebook, the UK will publish an annual National Inventory Report and Biennial Transparency Report by 31 December 2024 at the latest, and biennially thereafter, to the UNFCCC. The National Inventory Report will account for UK anthropogenic GHG emissions and removals, and the Biennial Transparency Report will report on progress towards the UK’s NDC through the use of a structured summary. To account for the UK’s NDC, the UK will compare achieved net GHG emissions (in MtCO2e values) with the UK’s NDC target for 2030.

The UK will comply with future UNFCCC reporting guidelines on tracking, and reporting on, progress against the UK’s NDC. This will help inform future Global Stocktakes.

For the IPCC methodologies and metrics that will be used to account for the UK’s NDC, see Section 5(d). Final accounting towards the target will take place in 2032. It will be based on the 1990-2030 UK GHG Inventory, and compare 2030 net GHG emissions to a 1990 reference year for CO2, CH4 and N2O and a 1995 reference year for HFCs, PFCs, SF6 and NF3 ^{[footnote 112]}.

The UK intends to meet its NDC target through domestic emissions reductions. If the UK were to use voluntary cooperation under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, such use would be accounted for in accordance with relevant decisions adopted by the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (the “CMA”).

5b. Assumptions and methodological approaches used for accounting for the implementation of policies and measures or strategies used in the nationally determined contribution

Not applicable.

5c. Information on how the Party will take into account existing methods and guidance under the Convention to account for anthropogenic emissions and removals, in accordance with Article 4, paragraph 14, of the Paris Agreement.

The UK’s current GHG Inventory is submitted in accordance with decision 24/CP.19 and utilises the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, 2013 IPCC Kyoto Protocol Supplement and 2013 IPCC Wetlands Supplement.

The UK looks forward to implementing methodologies introduced by the 2019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines in the future.

5d. IPCC methodologies and metrics used for estimating anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and removals.

The 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, 2013 IPCC Kyoto Protocol Supplement and 2013 IPCC Wetlands Supplement will be used for estimating GHG emissions and removals for the UK’s NDC. The UK looks forward to implementing methodologies introduced by the 2019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines in the future.

Values listed in table 8.A.1 of the IPCC’s 5th Assessment Report on the Global Warming Potentials for a 100-year time horizon (without climate-carbon feedback) will be used to calculate CO2 equivalents of GHG emissions.

5e. Sector-, category- or activity-specific assumptions, methodologies and approaches consistent with IPCC guidance, including, as applicable:

5e(i) Approach to addressing emissions and subsequent removals from natural disturbances on managed lands

All emissions and removals reported in the UK GHG Inventory are included in the NDC, with no specific approach to exclude emissions from natural disturbances.

5e(ii) Approach used to account for emissions and removals from harvested wood products

The UK will reflect emissions and removals resulting from changes in the carbon pool of harvested wood products using a production approach.

5e(iii) Approach used to address the effects of age-class structure in forests

Not applicable.

5f Other assumptions and methodological approaches used for understanding the nationally determined contribution and, estimating corresponding emissions and removals, including:

5f(i) How the reference indicators, baseline(s) and/or reference level(s), including, sector-, category- or activity-specific reference levels, are constructed, including, for example, key parameters, assumptions, definitions, methodologies, data sources and models used

Final reference year and target year emissions will be based on the 1990-2030 UK GHG Inventory submitted to the UNFCCC in 2032. Emissions estimates in the UK GHG Inventory are made using methodologies outlined in the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories and subsequent IPCC guidelines (see Section 5(d)). The Inventory is revised annually and undergoes extensive review processes.

5f(ii) For Parties with nationally determined contributions that contain non-greenhouse-gas components, information on assumptions and methodological approaches used in relation to those components, as applicable

Not applicable.

5f(iii) For climate forcers included in nationally determined contributions not covered by IPCC guidelines, information on how the climate forcers are estimated

Not applicable.

5f(iv) Further technical information, as necessary

Not applicable.

5g. The intention to use voluntary cooperation under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement

While the UK intends to meet its NDC target through reducing emissions domestically, it reserves the right to use voluntary cooperation under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Such use could occur through the linking of the UK emissions trading scheme to another emissions trading system or through the use of emissions reductions or removals units.

6. How the Party considers that its NDC is fair and ambitious in the light of its national circumstances

6a. How the Party considers that its NDC is fair and ambitious in the light of its national circumstances

In its NDC the UK commits to reducing economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by at least 68% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. This requires the fastest rate of reduction in greenhouse gases between 1990 and 2030 of all major economies. It remains a fair and ambitious contribution to global action on climate change.

In determining the target level and revisiting it in light of the Glasgow Climate Pact, BEIS led work across HM Government departments to identify the UK’s highest possible ambition, taking account of a range of factors including the temperature goal and principle of equity in the Paris Agreement, the latest available science, robust analysis of domestic decarbonisation potential, the UK’s legally binding net zero commitment and guidance from the Climate Change Committee (CCC).

In guidance published in December 2020, the CCC stated that a 2030 target of at least 68% below base year levels “would constitute a decisive commitment to a net zero emissions trajectory, consistent with the Paris Agreement” and “would place the UK among the leading countries in climate ambition.” ^{[footnote 113]}

In its Progress Report to Parliament in June 2022, the Climate Change Committee reiterated that “the UK NDC is ambitious and consistent with the Paris temperature goal.” ^{[footnote 114]} The CCC did not recommend a change to the headline target but recommended that the UK should focus on delivery of the current NDC.

6b. Fairness considerations, including reflecting on equity

The UK’s NDC target was determined taking account of the temperature goal of the Paris Agreement and in particular the principles of equity and “common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of different national circumstances”.

There is no international consensus on which indicators should be used, and so the UK considered a range of internationally recognised effort sharing metrics and took into account other independent assessments of the level of ambition of the UK’s NDC.

The Glasgow Climate Pact recognises the need for deep and sustained reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions. The UK’s previous NDC submission referred to evidence set out in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C, including the need for global greenhouse gas emissions to fall by around 45% by 2030 relative to the 2010 level. Based on estimates set out in the UK’s latest (1990-2020) GHG inventory, the NDC target would achieve a reduction of around 57% over the same period.

In its more recent Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) Working Group III, the IPCC highlighted global emissions reductions between 2019 and 2030, with the median 1.5ºC pathway showing a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of at least 41% by 2030 on 2019 levels ^{[footnote 115]}. The UK’s NDC is estimated to imply a reduction of around 42% over this period, following significant reductions already achieved between 2010 and 2019.

Based on latest estimates, the UK’s NDC suggests that emissions per person in 2030 would be below 4tCO2e, which is of a comparable level (3.5-4 tCO2e) to estimates for the global average implied by the IPCC’s median pathways consistent with limiting warming to 1.5 degrees ^{[footnote 116]}.

The NDC is also on the trajectory to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, which the Climate Change Committee and other independent external commentators consider to be aligned with a least-cost global pathway to keep the global temperature rise below 1.5⁰C.

6c. How the Party has addressed Article 4, paragraph 3 of the Paris Agreement

The UK’s NDC target was determined taking account of the temperature goal of the Paris Agreement and in particular the principles of equity and “common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of different national circumstances”.

HM Government has a well-established process involving all relevant departments to regularly review domestic greenhouse gas abatement potential, as part of the framework to deliver on carbon budgets and net zero under the Climate Change Act. Having revisited its NDC through this process in line with the Glasgow Climate Pact, HM Government has determined that the target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 68% by 2030 on 1990 levels represents its highest possible ambition.

As set out in the UK’s previous NDC communication, the target in the UK’s NDC represents a significant progression on the UK’s previous contribution to the EU’s then joint Intended NDC (INDC) from 2015, which was estimated by the CCC to imply a 53% reduction in UK emissions by 2030 on 1990 levels.

In line with the Glasgow Climate Pact, the UK has been through a process to revisit its NDC and ensure it remains aligned with the Paris Agreement temperature goal. The UK has also strengthened its NDC in several ways, including by clarifying how the NDC will be delivered by 2030, by updating on the progress made in expanding the territorial scope of the NDC to include the UK’s Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories, and by including more information on the UK’s approach to gender, green skills, Just Transition and public engagement.

6d. How the Party has addressed Article 4, paragraph 4, of the Paris Agreement

The UK’s NDC is an economy-wide absolute emissions reduction target in compliance with Article 4.4 of the Paris Agreement.

During its COP Presidency, the UK has been encouraging all Parties to revisit and strengthen their NDCs as necessary to align with the Paris Agreement temperature goal, in line with the Glasgow Climate Pact.

The UK recognises the importance of supporting developing country parties in implementing the Paris Agreement. The UK is a core funder and, alongside Jamaica, 2021-22 co-chair of the Nationally Determined Contributions Partnership (NDC Partnership). The UK has committed £27m to the NDC Partnership from 2019–25, supporting developing country members to turn NDCs from stand-alone documents into national policies and plans. As set out in the UK’s International Development Strategy ^{[footnote 117]} (May 2022), the UK has doubled its total International Climate Finance (ICF) to £11.6 billion between 2021/22 and 2025/26, ensuring a balanced split between mitigation and adaptation finance. A major focus of ICF programming will be on accelerating the clean energy transition in developing countries and at least £3bn of ICF between 2021-22 and 2025-26 will be invested in climate change and poverty reduction solutions that protect, restore, and sustainably manage nature.

In line with expectations in the Paris Agreement and UNFCCC, the UK’s International Climate Finance contributions are explained in detail in the UK’s 8th National Communication, 5th Biennial Report and Finance Biennial Communication. The UK will submit its second Finance Biennial Communication by the end of 2022.

6e. How the Party has addressed Article 4, paragraph 6, of the Paris Agreement

Not applicable.

7. How the nationally determined contribution contributes towards achieving the objective of the Convention as set out in its Article 2

7a. How the nationally determined contribution contributes towards achieving the objective of the Convention as set out in its Article 2

The UK’s NDC represents the UK’s contribution to the objectives of Article 2 of the Convention to stabilise GHG concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. Sections 4 and 6 detail the UK’s mitigation ambition that will contribute to achieving Article 2 of the Convention.

7b. How the nationally determined contribution contributes towards Article 2, paragraph 1(a), and Article 4, paragraph 1, of the Paris Agreement

See Section 4 and 6 on the UK’s legislated commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050 and how the UK’s NDC contributes to that goal.