The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) in the UK wants Internal Combustion Engine cars to be phased out by 2012, eight years ahead of schedule. According to a report released by the committee, the early phase-out would be part of the COVID19 recovery plan.
A Lot of Investment Needed
For that to happen, a lot of money would need to be invested in EV charging technology. To fund this, the CCC recommended that the government should increase taxation on fossil fuels for transport. The report came out just months before the release of a stimulus plan for the country.
If implemented, it would be three years ahead of the planned ban on diesel and petrol cars by ongoing government consultation. Implementing its tax recommendations could help to raise up to £15 billion annually in taxes.
Various groups are in support of the move. Other recommendations include upgrades to buildings, planting trees, skills training, and tree planting. Discussing the issue, Lord Deben, the chair of the CC said that a green recovery was the only option to help rekindle the UK economy. The CCC also called for retaining and redeploying workers in the oil and gas sector into the low-carbon sector.
Various Other Recommendations
The CCC made various other recommendations. For instance, it notes that almost two million homes built since the Climate Change Act was enacted are unfit. As a result, they would need to under costly retrofitting. The report notes that the UK is not making enough preparations to deal with the impact of climate change. In the report, the CCC also calls for an end to gas heating in homes by 2025.
Land Use
In the report, the CCC calls for a restoration of peatlands and other natural carbon sinks that could create jobs throughout the UK. The focus will be rural areas but cities with diminishing green spaces should also be a point of focus. In terms of agricultural land use, the CCC recommends that parliament should create opportunities for nature-friendly farming, which will lock carbon in the soil and vegetation. As a result, agriculture in the UK could become a major net absorber.
Changes in Behaviour
During April, the CCC notes that about half of UK workers were working from home. The committee found that working from home helped to reduce transport emissions. AS a result, workers should be encouraged to make the shift to working from home permanent where possible. Besides that, new infrastructure will be needed to help people cycle and walk to their places of work. It recommends that the public sector lead by example in encouraging working from home.
Targeted Funding
The CCC also called for funding research and innovation in low carbon technologies. It would be crucial to making the UK a centre of the low-carbon sector once it leaves the EU. Some of the promising technologies noted by the CCC are carbon capture and storage in the depleted North Sea oilfield. Additionally, it points to hydrogen fuel.
Summary
The list of recommendations by the CCC is quite comprehensive. If they are implemented, it could help the UK to meet its climate change goal earlier than planned.
Let us know If you have any questions or suggestions about ICE Cars in UK . Share your thoughts in the comments section!
Do you know anyone who would like to read the information in this post? Share it with them on facebook, twitter and linkedIn.
Please remember that sharing is caring!
What is your reaction?
