Act fast to stop UK carbon emission rebound, climate advisers urge

Report says Boris Johnson's lack of climate leadership risks missing target and embarrassing UK at Cop26

• Road to net zero: what the Committee on Climate Change recommends

The UK is falling behind on its target to cut greenhouse gas emissions and risks a surge in carbon emissions as lockdown eases, the government's climate advisers warn.

Ministers must act fast if the UK is to avoid a massive rebound in carbon emissions after the coronavirus crisis eases, Lord Deben, chair of the committee on climate change (CCC), which published its progress report to parliament on Thursday, said. By setting up new schemes to insulate homes, raise carbon taxes, switch to electric vehicles and improve broadband, the government could spur a green recovery to create jobs and cut emissions permanently.