Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 22
22
Accepted
Prioritise decarbonisation as response to Antarctic climate change and advocate rapid global emissions cuts.
Conclusion
We strongly recommend that the Government firmly prioritise decarbonisation as the most effective, affordable, and sustainable response to climate change in Antarctica. Ministers should use international fora, including the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting and the UNFCCC COP process, to advocate for rapid emissions cuts and the protection of fragile polar environments. (Recommendation, Paragraph 115)
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the recommendation, agreeing that decarbonisation is fundamental and detailing British Antarctic Survey's net-zero by 2040 commitment through specific initiatives like HVO fuel, renewable energy, and AI. It also notes efforts to advocate for decarbonisation in international fora like the ATCM and UNFCCC.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Government accepts this recommendation. 26. The Government agrees that decarbonisation is a fundamental part of the response to climate change in Antarctica. 27. BAS is committed to reaching net zero by 2040 and has prioritised decarbonisation across the entirety of its activity. This includes successful trials using HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) as an alternative fuel source for the RRS Sir David Attenborough; the introduction of renewable energy sources have been at Rothera research station; the installation of solar panels at BAS’s Cambridge HQ to reduce carbon emissions back in the UK; and the use of AI in marine planning operations, aiming to reduce the consumption of fuel on the SDA and BAS’s fleet of autonomous marine vehicles. 28. Decarbonisation of Antarctic operations is regularly considered by the ATCM, which encourages all National Antarctic Programmes to increase efforts to reduce the carbon footprint in Antarctica and to share best practice on sustainability. 29. The UK remains committed to securing progressive outcomes in UNFCCC negotiations to keep temperature rise in line with 1.5C.