The United Kingdom has officially submitted its updated carbon emissions reduction plan to the United Nations climate body, outlining the actions necessary to meet the ambitious targets announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer last year. The announcement of this formal documentation was made by Britain’s Climate Minister Ed Miliband during a recent statement to Parliament, fulfilling the requirements set by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) for tracking each country’s climate commitments.
Last year at the UN COP29 climate summit, Starmer made headlines by pledging to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 81% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels, excluding emissions from international aviation and shipping. Although the commitment was largely celebrated, it initially lacked specificity on how these targets would actually be achieved.
The newly submitted Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) does not introduce new policies or detailed sector-specific strategies at this stage. Instead, it provides a retrospective view of the UK’s progress on reducing emissions and promising more exhaustive plans for the future. The UK government plans to introduce an updated cross-economy strategy detailing the necessary steps to reach their declared climate targets.
UNFCCC chief Simon Stiell praised the UK’s updated submission, stating, "The UK’s bold new climate plan means it is even more strategically positioned to capitalize on the climate action boom. Other nations across the G20 and around the world should follow suit; no one can afford to miss out."
The UK’s commitment is viewed as one of the few highlights from the COP29 summit, which was overshadowed by global uncertainties, such as the potential re-election of Donald Trump, which could undermine international climate efforts.
It’s worth noting the UK's previous commitment was to achieve a 78% reduction by 2035 as indicated by its sixth carbon budget established back in April 2021. The new target aligns with guidance from the Climate Change Committee (CCC), which endorsed the 81% reduction as necessary for limiting global warming to the 1.5°C threshold—an increasingly pressing goal for global climate stability.
UK Climate Minister Kerry McCarthy reflected the government's continued dedication to combating the climate crisis, stating, "We are wasting no time in investing in the homegrown clean British energy we need to tackle the climate crisis, whilst also creating thousands of jobs and delivering growth. Britain is back in the business of climate leadership." This shift emphasizes the government’s commitment to reducing fossil fuel dependency and boosting renewable energy capacities.
McCarthy’s assurance reflects the country’s urgency; she elaborated, "We will not shy away from leading the world...and continue to encourage others to raise their ambitions."
Nevertheless, some experts have raised concerns. Critics argue the absence of mandated sector-specific targets within the NDC creates significant accountability gaps. Environmental advocates stress the need for local ordinances to parallel national ambitions. Isabella O'Dowd, head of climate policy at WWF, warned, "The new UK climate plan is a step forward, and the Government is right to focus on restoring nature and cutting fossil fuels. But ambition alone won’t reduce emissions – we cannot afford major polluters like aviation to remain unchecked."
Mike Childs, head of policy at Friends of the Earth, echoed these sentiments, stating, "Having a strong 2035 target is an important show of global climate leadership. Unfortunately, the responsibility now falls on the Energy Secretary to make the numbers add up."
Looking forward, the government has pledged to release its comprehensive delivery plan, detailing strategies needed to comply with both NDC targets and Carbon Budgets four through six, paving the way to net-zero emissions by 2050. Many anticipate this plan will also address challenges tied to nature conservation, education, gender equality, and food security as interconnected facets of climate action.
Simultaneously, the UK has reaffirmed its commitment to allocate £11.6 billion toward International Climate Finance by 2025/2026, with at least £3 billion earmarked for nature-based solutions. Given the shifting global climate leadership dynamics (especially considering the recent US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement under the prior administration), the UK’s steadfast stance is being welcomed by environmental organizations worldwide.
Environmental groups, though appreciative of the UK’s commitments, continue to stress the imperative for tangible actions at the local level to match the ambitious national goals. With COP30 approaching this November, the pressure remains on the UK government to translate its promises and plans effectively and decisively, steering clear of policies perceived as contradictory, such as supporting airport expansions.
The upcoming COP30 climate conference to be held in Brazil will be pivotal for the UK as it demonstrates how it intends to balance ambitious climate pledges with enforceable actions at home and abroad.