The UK Climate Change Committee (The CCC) has released its first assessment of the new Government’s progress on reducing emissions.

The CCC is an independent, statutory body established under the Climate Change Act 2008 to advise on emissions targets and to report to Parliament on progress made in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

Amongst the findings from the report are that government policies to reduce emissions are having a positive effect. Emissions fell 2.5% in 2024, the tenth consecutive year of sustained emissions reduction, excluding the COVID-19 pandemic years 2020 and 2021. The UK’s emissions have halved (-50.4%) since 1990.

Moreover, the report states that with more action, the country “can hit its legally binding climate targets and improve energy security for households and businesses across the UK.”

The report also makes a number of priority recommendations. These include implementing regulations to ensure new homes are not connected to the gas grid, introducing a comprehensive programme to decarbonise public sector buildings, and accelerating the electrification of industrial heat.

Read the full report.

Watch the explainer video.