Zero carbon electricity overtakes fossil fuels for first time in the U.K.
Britain is set to achieve a historic milestone this year, with more electricity generated from zero carbon sources than fossil fuels.
United Kingdom
U.K. government commits to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050
The U.K. is to enshrine a 2050 net zero emissions target in law, with an amendment to the Climate Change Act.
Barclays commits to 100% renewable energy by 2030
The British multinational investment bank Barclays has entered RE100, a global initiative committing to source 100% renewable electricity for their global operations by 2030.
Canary Wharf is now the world’s first plastic free commercial center
Canary Wharf, the Estate at the heart of London’s capital, has become the first commercial center in the world to be awarded a ‘Plastic Free Community’ status.
The world’s largest offshore wind farm just came online off the shores of Britain
The massive wind farm now has 50 of 174 turbines spinning. When completed, the project will have more than double the capacity of the current largest offshore installation.
U.K. creates “Blue Belt” marine protected area twice the size of England
An area nearly twice the size of England will become a “blue belt” of protected waters after the government created 41 new marine conservation zones.
U.K. government announces ban on all plastic straws, cotton buds and drink stirrers
The ban will come into place in April 2020 and will be applied throughout towns and cities in England.
Morrisons to become first U.K. supermarket to offer plastic-free fruit and vegetables
The British supermarket will offer 127 loose fruit and veg varieties over the next year. The fruit and veg will either be sold in recyclable paper bags or loose.
Glasgow commits to be U.K.’s first net-zero city
Susan Aitken, Glasgow City Council leader, said: “We need to be a Net Zero city. And we need to be the U.K.’s first Net Zero city.”
Selfridges announces own-brand food is now palm oil free
Selfridges, a major U.K. food retailer, now has all of their own-brand foods palm oil free, nine months ahead of the original target.