02 Sep Rishi Sunak’s Climate Policy: Is the UK Losing Its Status as a Climate Change Leader?

The United Kingdom has a long history of pioneering climate action. It made a significant step forward in 2008 when it enacted the Climate Change Act, becoming the first country to legally commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80% by 2050. Over time, successive governments increased their investments in renewable energy, reduced their reliance on coal, and actively supported international climate treaties such as the Paris Agreement. As a result, the United Kingdom established itself as a major global player in the fight against climate change. 

Rishi Sunak-led, the current PM holds significant responsibility when it comes to shaping the country’s economic policies, including those related to climate change. However, his government faces criticism over their approach to climate change. Once hailed as a climate change leader for its ambitious policies and commitments, the United Kingdom, is now facing increasing scrutiny over its current climate policy direction. In fact, according to a report by REUTERS on the Climate Change Committee’s (CCC) annual progress report, its Chairman, John Gummer, raised concerns about the perceived hesitancy of ministers in taking resolute steps to achieve net zero commitments. The committee criticised Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government, alleging that it had backtracked on its previous commitments to phase out fossil fuels. This accusation was based on the government’s endorsement of a new coal mine and its backing of fresh oil and gas production in the North Sea.

In this article, we will delve into Rishi Sunak’s climate policy in comparison with his predecessors, Boris Johnson specifically, to better understand the policies in light of these accusations.

Rishi Sunak’s Climate Policy

Rishi Sunak has expressed a commitment to addressing climate change and has implemented various policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to a greener economy. One of the key initiatives introduced by Sunak is the Green Homes Grant scheme, which provides homeowners and landlords with vouchers to make energy-efficient improvements to their homes. The scheme covers up to two-thirds of the cost of chosen improvements, with a maximum government contribution of £5,000. With a maximum overall government contribution of £10,000.

Another notable policy introduced by Sunak was the creation of a Green Finance Institute in 2021 while Chancellor, to make the City of London the world’s first “net zero finance centre.” The goal is to mobilise investment in green projects and develop expertise in sustainable finance, which, if successful, will attract private investment into the green economy and support the transition to a low-carbon future.

Notably, the PM’s recent action to sign the Conservative Environment Networks Pledge and commitment of £100 to the Taskforce on Access to Climate Finance was a strong move to show commitment to ensuring that the UK meets its goal of achieving net zero by 2050. Lastly, the PM’s move to split the Department of Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and create a dedicated Energy Security and Net-Zero function despite criticism points to the government’s commitment to securing more renewable sources of energy and seizing opportunities to become a Net-Zero country.

Criticisms of Rishi Sunak’s Climate Policy

However, it is important to assess the broader climate policy initiatives and actions taken by the UK government under Sunak’s leadership to determine their effectiveness in addressing climate change. Since assuming office as Chancellor and now PM, Rishi Sunak’s approach to climate policy has raised concerns among environmentalists and climate activists. Many have described him as “no environmentalist,” especially because of some of the policies he pushed while Finance Minister.

Specifically, the PM’s emphasis on economic growth and pro-business measures has led to questions about the government’s commitment to a green and sustainable future. Critics argue that some of Sunak’s policies seem to prioritise short-term economic gains over long-term environmental stability. For example, while Chancellor Sunak is said to have cut the UK’s budget to help developing countries implement sustainability plans. Also, the Times reported that the PM, in 2015, while a lawmaker, voted against measures to lower emissions. In 2021, as Chancellor of the Exchequer, Shunak is reported to have led to the abandonment of a $1.7 billion scheme to insulate U.K. homes, and on the eve of the COP26 U.N. climate summit hosted by the U.K., he announced plans to reduce taxes on domestic flights—a move that would encourage air travel and boost its emissions.

Furthermore, opposition politicians argue that his plans do not go far enough and lack the ambition required to tackle the climate emergency effectively. They argue for greater investment in renewables, more stringent regulations on carbon emissions, and a shift away from fossil fuel dependency.

The PM is recalled as having not featured the environment among his five pledges on which he asked to be judged in the coming election, an action many consider amplifying the PM’s lack of prioritisation of the climate emergency.

One of the key issues of contention is Shunak’s 2022 Energy Profits Levy, a tax relief on fossil fuels that gives a 91% tax break alongside a windfall tax on oil and gas companies at a time when many countries are phasing out fossil fuel subsidies. According to The Guardian, this amount would have totaled about £.5 billion to £5.7 billion over the span of three years, an amount they claimed would have insulated over 2.1 million homes to make them less reliant on gas. This, of course, Additionally, there have been accusations of insufficient investment in renewable energy and green technologies, which are vital for achieving net-zero emissions.

How Does Shunak Differ from Boris Johnson and Liz?

Rishi Sunak, in October 2022, was appointed the new Prime Minister of the UK following the departure of Liz Truss, who had replaced Boris Johnson. Liz’s approach to climate change has been widely criticised and called a “threat to climate change.” This is in light of her many actions, such as the appointment of Jacob Rees-Mogg as energy secretary, a man known to have questioned the human contribution to climate change. Furthermore, Liz, in her short term, has moved to outlaw solar panel use on most farmland, overturn a ban on fracking, and get rid of hundreds of laws and subsidies for nature protection. 

 A more fragile comparison, however, is with Boris Johnson. Without a doubt, Shunak and Boris Johnson, both prominent figures in the UK government, have different approaches to climate change policy. Because Rishi Sunak was chosen by Boris Johnson to serve as the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and considering Boris’s enthusiasm for climate change, many might presume they both will share similar environmental views. Unfortunately, that seemed not to be the case. It should be recalled that while Johnson displayed a passion for climate issues, Sunak’s approach has been more subdued, and he has occasionally voted against environmental initiatives.

A report by the Guardian on leaked confidential documents showed a rift between Boris Johnson and Chancellor Shunak over the potential economic effects of a net-zero economy. While Johnson was enthusiastic about curbing greenhouse gas emissions, the documents reveal that the Treasury wasn’t in full support, with consistent warnings against the serious economic damage that it would inflict on the UK economy. Sunak’s voting record raises doubts about the UK’s potential to reestablish itself as a global leader in the fight against climate change.

Without doubt, Boris Johnson has consistently sought to position the UK as a global leader in climate change policy. His government, in addition to hosting important climate conferences such as the COP26, has supported three landmark legislations that were key to climate change, namely the Agricultural Act, the Fisheries Act, and the Environmental Act, as well as the Plan for Reaching Net-Zero Emissions.

Shunak’s action, on the other hand, has brought about high uncertainties. Not long ago, some MPs wrote a cross-party letter urging the PM to uphold his £11.6bn climate finance commitment. The letter was an upshot of concerns by MPs about the government’s consideration of reneging on its commitment to spend the £11.6bn climate finance target between 2021 and 2026

Conclusion

The PM’s past records, as highlighted already, such as the MPs concerns on the £11.6bn spending, have without doubt cast serious doubt regarding his policy direction on climate matters, which only legitimises concerns raised over the UK’s overall commitment to global climate change efforts. However, the PM is barely a year into office, and there is still hope. Also, his positive moves, such as backing the Net-Zero goal of 2050 and singing the Environment Network Pledge, reinforce hope for the PM and for the UK..