Press statement: UK adopts ambitious carbon budget, but action is needed to meet it

London, 2 June 2026:

The UK government has announced that it will match the advice laid out by the Climate Change Committee (CCC) by proposing an 87% reduction target for the seventh carbon budget period.

In its 2025 report, the CCC outlined that shipping and aviation must reduce their emissions by 17% and 62% respectively by 2040. This will require a rapid and transformational shift away from fossil fuels for both sectors - and action on achieving that needs to start today.

But reducing emissions isn't just crucial for the climate. Research published today by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit and Confederation of British Industry shows that the net zero economy supports over one million good jobs across the UK, contributing £105bn in gross value added to the economy. With small businesses key to this, it shows that innovation needs to be at the forefront of the UK's transition to net zero. Pioneering sustainable aviation and shipping companies can be part of this transformation.

Our Advocacy Manager, Nuala Doyle, said:

"Decarbonising aviation and shipping is an exciting opportunity for the UK, driving down emissions, reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and creating new sectors for innovation and growth.

But action is needed now if aviation and maritime emissions are to fall in line with the trajectory set by the carbon budgets."