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United Kingdom

Federative (3 devolved governments)
Political Groups
G20, OECD, EU
Global Climate Risk Index
90.83
Targets
World Bank Income Group
High income
Share of Global Emissions
0.86%

Documents

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2024Legislative

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Handbook includes an 'anti-greenwashing rule' (ESG 4.3.1R), which applies to all communications that mention sustainability-linked characteristics of products or services available for clients in the UK by FCA-authorised firms. The rule tooke ffect from 31 May 2024. 

2024Legislative

This Order was made in terms of the Climate Change Act 2008. It establishes a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate and CO2 emissions standards for cars and vans in Great Britain. It requires manufacturers to ensure that 80% of new vehicles and 70% of new vans sold are zero-emission by 2030, increasing to 100% by 2035. It also sets a fine for qualifying manufacturers failing...

2023Policy

The United Kingdom has committed to protecting 30% of the UK's land by 2030 (also know as '30by30'). The Delivering 30by30 on land in England strategy sets out how the UK government is taking action to achieve its 30 by 30 target and protect nature and biodiversity in the UK. It also introduces the 30by30 criteria, which outlines how different areas can also contribute to ...

Legislative Process

Parliament is the centre of the political system in the United Kingdom. It is the supreme legislative body and the government is drawn from and answerable to Parliament. Parliament is bicameral, consisting of the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Draft bills are issued for consultation before being formally introduced to Parliament. A bill is a proposal for a new law, or a proposal to change an existing law that is presented for debate before Parliament. Bills are introduced in either the House of Commons or House of Lords for examination, discussion and amend­ment. When both Houses have agreed on the content of a bill, it is presented to the monarch for Royal Assent. Once Royal Assent is given, a bill becomes an Act of Parliament and is law. An Act of Parliament creates a new law or changes an existing law.

Government White Papers set out details of future policy on a particular subject. They allow the government to gather feedback before it formally presents the policies as a bill. The last general election was in May 2015. The next election is scheduled to take place in 2020. Seats in the House of Lords are unelected appointments, and are a mix of lifetime appointments and hereditary peerages.

Due to the devolution of policy making, the administrations for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are individually responsible for implementing some aspects of UK climate change strategy. However, this chapter focuses on legislation passed by Parliament and policies proposed by the UK government.