Global context

The UK is an important signatory to the Paris Agreement 2025, the legally binding international treaty on climate change.

The key aims of which are to hold the increase in global average temperature to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit temperature increases to 1.5°C and achieve net zero global green- house emissions by the second half of the century.

At the COP26 global summit it was agreed countries will meet next year to pledge further cuts to emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2).

This is to try to keep temperature rises within 1.5°C - which scientists say is required to prevent a "climate catastrophe".

Current pledges, if met, will only limit global warming to about 2.4°C.

The goal is to keep cutting emissions until they reach net zero by mid-century.

The UK Government has launched a national portfolio of schemes and initiatives designed to help it meet its 2050 target.