Chris Seeks Pragmatism On Net Zero Goals
Christopher Chope Conservative, Christchurch
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of increases in the population on the ability to meet net zero targets.
Graham Stuart Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
Population growth is taken into account when setting our decarbonisation goals. Specifically, it is accounted for in our baseline emissions projections, which help determine the effort required to meet our carbon targets.
Christopher Chope Conservative, Christchurch
Does my right hon. Friend accept that in 2050, on present Government policies, we will have 25 million more people in this country than there were in 1990, the base date for carbon dioxide emissions? He obviously accepts that a higher population leads to higher global emissions, but can he also say that when it comes to climate change, it would be a good idea for this Government to concentrate on a net migration policy, rather than net zero?
Graham Stuart Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)
As my hon. Friend knows, the Prime Minister is absolutely determined to bring net migration down to sustainable levels. I would also point out to him that the UK does not set decarbonisation targets per capita, because all countries need to reduce emissions in absolute terms. We are determined to play our part in doing that—to move to net zero, but in a pro-growth, pro-business manner.
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