What is Net Zero?
Net zero is the UK's legally binding target to cut greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050 — balancing any remaining emissions with removals. It shapes energy bills, industry and now divides the parties sharply.
What the target actually is
The Climate Change Act 2008 created legally binding carbon budgets; in 2019 Parliament (with cross-party support at the time) amended the target to net zero by 2050 — meaning emissions cut as close to zero as possible, with the remainder offset by removals like forestry or carbon capture. Progress is policed by the independent Climate Change Committee. The UK has already roughly halved emissions since 1990, mostly by taking coal off the grid; transport, heating and industry are the harder second half.
What it costs — and saves
The machinery includes the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (a carbon price on power and heavy industry), levies on energy bills funding renewables, and subsidy schemes for heat pumps and EVs. Critics point to those visible costs; advocates point to the falling price of renewables, energy security after the 2022 gas shock, and the cost of not acting. The honest answer is that costs land now and are concentrated; benefits arrive later and are spread.
Why it matters now
The consensus of 2019 is gone. Reform UK would scrap the net zero target entirely; the Conservatives would axe the UK ETS carbon tax; Labour is betting on Great British Energy and clean power by 2030; and the Greens would go faster, moving levies off bills. Energy is now one of the clearest dividing lines at the next election.
Plain-English guide for general information only — not financial, legal or tax advice. Rates are 2026/27 unless stated. Last reviewed 5 July 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What does net zero mean?
Cutting greenhouse-gas emissions as close to zero as possible and balancing any remainder with removals (like forests or carbon capture), so the net addition to the atmosphere is zero. The UK's legally binding deadline is 2050.
Is net zero law in the UK?
Yes — the Climate Change Act 2008, amended in 2019, makes the 2050 target legally binding, with five-yearly carbon budgets monitored by the Climate Change Committee. Repealing it would require an Act of Parliament, which Reform UK proposes.
Which parties would scrap or change net zero?
Reform UK would scrap the target and renewable subsidies; the Conservatives would keep the target but axe the UK ETS carbon tax; Labour targets clean power by 2030 via Great British Energy; the Greens would decarbonise faster and cut bills by moving levies.