Government Changes Climate Targets

Date: 18/09/23

In a bold move this week, Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak rolled back a number of key environmental policies. These measures were part of the push for net zero by 2050, a target the Government says it remains committed to, despite the changes. So what has changed, how was it received and how can Think Hire keep your company on course for a sustainable future?

What has changed?

The headline change was the pushing back of the deadline for the sale of petrol and diesel cars. New sales of these vehicles were set to end in 2030, but this has now been pushed back to 2035. This is partly due to the lack of charging infrastructure, which we reported on here last October and again here in July.

The Government’s view is that it’s unfair to ask the taxpayer to fund these improvements during a cost of living crisis. “It is not right to impose more costs on working people,” said Mr Sunak. Opposition parties criticised the changes, with Labour committing to retain the 2030 deadline. Others claimed that the changes would move the UK from a world leader on climate change, to the back of the queue for new innovations.

How was it received?

The surprise changes got a mixed response from the press. The Times called it ‘Sunak’s green targets gamble’, while the Guardian described it as a ‘green bonfire as PM rows back on net zero targets’. The Financial Times talked of a ‘business backlash’, while the Daily Mail praised the PM for ‘taking on the green zealots’. Curiously, The Sun took full credit for the changes, claiming that the whole thing was a response to their own campaign.

In the motor industry, the response was also mixed. The chair of Ford UK, who have invested £430million in electric vehicle manufacturing to meet the target, said the changes undermined ‘ambition, commitment and consistency’. The owner of Vauxhall and other brands said that they remained committed to 100% zero emission car sales by 2030 regardless of the Government’s change of plan.

How does it affect you?

Many of Think Hire’s customers have already made the transition to electric vehicles and plant, and many more have plans in place to make the change in the near future. With significant savings in both emissions and operating costs, it’s unlikely that the Government U-turn will alter those plans very much.

For Think Hire customers, the lack of electric vehicle charging infrastructure is not an issue. Think Hire can provide portable electric vehicle and plant charging points for you to deploy wherever they’re needed on-site. These can be powered by renewable energy, such as solar panels or Think Hire’s innovative Solartainer solar powered generator, meeting the energy needs for your whole fleet both on and off-site.

Meeting your own net zero targets

The Government remains committed to net zero by 2050, but you can start much sooner if you team up with Think Hire as your renewable energy partner. Our Solartainer solar powered generators have been shown to cut CO2 emissions by up to 87% in live site operations. What’s more, unlike the Government’s plans, which carry a huge cost, Think Hire sustainability actually saves you money, with the same site reporting a drop in operating costs of 27%.

Whatever the Government policy, whatever the charges to the environmental targets, here at Think Hire we remain committed. We will continue to press ahead in making solar powered generators and sustainable sites accessible and affordable to anyone who wants them.

To find out more, call our friendly team on 0330 133 2222 or complete the contact form online.

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