Today’s announcement by PM Sir Keir Starmer to commit to an 81% carbon emission reduction target under the UK’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) is a bold and necessary step towards tackling the climate crisis.

Ashden welcomes this ambitious vision, which aligns with the urgent need for transformative climate action. 

The UK’s green economy grew 9% in 2023—while the wider economy stagnated—demonstrating that strong climate ambition fuels innovation, job creation, and prosperity. This ambition reflects what businesses, including the CBI, and civil society groups have long called for: clear leadership to drive a just and sustainable transition. 

However, as recent global events have underscored, public trust and fairness are critical to sustaining momentum for ambitious climate action. Everyday people must see and feel the fairness of these changes. It is not enough to set bold targets; we must ensure the journey to achieve them is equitable, with tangible improvements in livelihoods, jobs, and community resilience across the country. 

 Dr Ashok Sinha, CEO of Ashden who is attending COP29, said: 

“At a time when there are headwinds against government action to avert catastrophic climate change in both the US and EU, the announcement by the UK of strong new NDC 3.0 at COP29 – a year ahead of time – is the kind of climate diplomacy the world needs. Equally importantly, it sets the agenda at home for realising the huge social and economic gains that a fair transition to a zero carbon economy will bring. 

“But now the even harder work begins. Decarbonising the grid and land transport is comparatively easy compared to capturing the huge potential of local and community renewables and decarbonising heat in our buildings, place by place, dwelling by dwelling. That will require a new approach by government based on supporting bespoke local action, everywhere. 

“Ashden works with enterprises and organisations that are demonstrating just the kinds of technical, financial, training and community engagement innovations we will need to become the norm. For these innovators to succeed, government will need to trust cities, towns and communities, clear the policy blockages they face and support them to access the finance they need to succeed. That’s what we now expect to see, following today’s hugely welcome announcement.” 

Previous Ashden Award winners that have demonstrated the impact of inclusive, people-focused climate solutions:

B4Box, based in Stockport, Manchester, won the 2022 Ashden Award for Low Carbon Skills for training disadvantaged individuals in green construction skills, enabling them to retrofit homes for energy efficiency. This approach not only reduces emissions but also creates employment opportunities in communities facing economic challenges. 

Energise Barnsley, winner of the Ashden Award for People’s Energy in 2023, is empowering social housing tenants with rooftop solar panels and energy storage systems in the north of England. By reducing energy costs and cutting carbon emissions, the project ensures the transition to green energy directly benefits those who need it most, while also increasing energy independence in communities. 

The reality is stark: the UK is not currently on track to meet its existing 68% by 2030 NDC target. Increased action is an absolute imperative. To succeed, the government must deliver a comprehensive and well-resourced plan to meet these new targets. The UK’s upcoming Carbon Budget Delivery Plan, due in early 2025, must clearly outline how international and national targets will be delivered within an ambitious, fast-paced, and inclusive policy framework. 

This framework must prioritise the needs of people and communities, particularly those most affected by the transition. 

Ashden stands ready to support ambitious action and urges the UK Government to make the vision of a fair, green transition a reality for all.