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Axios
Axios
National
Ben Geman

Theresa May wants the U.K. to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050

Theresa May on June 11, 2019 in London. Photo: Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty Images

Outgoing British Prime Minister Theresa May yesterday floated a proposal to require the country to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Why it matters: The plan would make the U.K. the first G7 nation to "legislate for net zero emissions," her office said in announcing the legally binding proposal.


What's next: Multiple reports, like this BBC story, signal the legislation has political buy-in.

  • "There is broad political support from the main opposition Labour and Scottish National parties as well as the Liberal Democrats," Bloomberg notes.

But, but, but: "This is just the starting gun. Now the real challenge begins: actual policy, regulation and technology solutions to decarbonise our economy," notes Albert Cheung, a top analyst with the consultancy BloombergNEF, on Twitter.

Quick take: The plan underscores the transatlantic split on climate change amid President Trump's moves to unwind emissions rules and policies. However, a number of Democratic White House hopefuls have called for similar targets.

Go deeper: Global carbon dioxide emissions reached record high in 2018

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