Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 16
16
Accepted
Limiting global warming to 1.5°C critical for preventing Antarctic ice sheet destabilisation.
Conclusion
Evidence presented during the course of this inquiry highlights the critical importance of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Achieving this target is essential for preventing further destabilisation of Antarctica’s ice sheets and glaciers, which are already experiencing significant changes due to rising temperatures. Maintaining this limit is key to safeguarding the integrity of the Antarctic environment and mitigating the global consequences of rising sea levels and climate disruption. (Conclusion, Paragraph 105)
Government Response Summary
The government accepts this conclusion, affirming its full commitment to the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C target and outlining ongoing efforts, including accelerating the transition to net zero through initiatives like the Global Clean Power Alliance and delivering on its 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution target.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Government accepts this recommendation. 21. The UK is fully committed to delivering the ambition of the Paris Agreement, to keep warming to well below 2°C and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5 °C. Every avoided increment of warming makes a difference to the severity of impacts. The UK will continue to play our part to accelerate the transition to net zero through initiatives such as the Global Clean Power Alliance, and by continuing the leadership demonstrated from our ambitious and credible 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution target which the Prime Minister announced at COP29. 22. The UK will also continue to champion delivery of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity framework to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. Tackling the nature emergency is critical for net zero, climate resilience and sustainable development. Mitigating the risks posed by climate change and biodiversity loss requires deep, rapid and enduring cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, essential work to build resilience to current and future climate impacts, and urgent action to protect and restore nature. 23. These are global challenges that need global solutions. The UK is working with other countries, with multilateral groups like the G7 and G20, and with the wider international system to do this.