"The key finding from this study is that councils led by Reform UK are largely delivering on the party's pledge to scrap net zero at the local level, and that scrapping net zero is not only a policy position but a signal of a broader retreat from taking climate change seriously."
"The promotion of climate change denial by both its national leadership and many of its local councillors indicates that Reform UK is failing to recognise the growing risks the British public face from climate change impacts, including rising sea levels, heavier rainfall and more intense heatwaves."
"If Reform UK expands its council base in the upcoming local elections, further climate target rollback, the dismantling of scrutiny structures and the withdrawal of voluntary emissions reporting should be expected."
"Given the vital role local authorities need to play in helping the UK reach its statutory target of net zero emissions by 2050, the government should consider strategic options including incentives to promote progress, rather than assuming voluntary action."
Councils led by Reform UK are largely abandoning net zero commitments, signaling a retreat from serious climate action. This includes delaying commitments and promoting climate change denial. The party's leadership fails to recognize the risks posed by climate change, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather. If Reform UK gains more council seats, further rollbacks of climate targets and scrutiny structures are likely. The government should consider incentives and mandatory emissions reporting to ensure progress towards the UK's net zero emissions target by 2050.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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