The change is being made to help Britain achieve virtually zero carbon emissions by the middle of the century. The policy will be unveiled at an event of the UN summit later in November this year.
The Prime Minister will be joined by Sir David Attenborough at the launch of the COP26 UN Climate Summit. In a speech at the launch, the PM will reveal plans to the end the sale of petrol, diesel — and for the first time hybrid vehicles — five years earlier than planned.
And ministers say it could happen sooner if a quicker transition is feasible. It comes after the Tory government had been slammed for acting too slowly over its polluting vehicles ban. Government advisers the Committee on Climate Change called for the ban by as early as 2030.
But it could be overshadowed by a blast from the summit’s former head, who was recently sacked by the prime minister. In a bitter retaliatory letter, Claire O’Neill accused Boris Johnson of promising money and people to support her work but failing to deliver either.
The prime minister will say the government plans will bring an end to the sale of new petrol and diesel cars even earlier than 2035, if possible. Hybrid vehicles are also now being included in the proposals, which were originally announced in July 2017.
The Committee had warned domestic action to slash carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases were lagging far behind what is needed — even before the overall net-zero target of 2050 was set. The Prime Minister is also expected to use the speech to call for international action to achieve global net-zero emissions.
By hosting the COP26 is an important opportunity for the UK and nations across the globe to step up in the fight against climate change. The universe is hoping by 2050 will have net-zero targets across this year, so we shall urge others to join us in pledging net-zero emissions, Said Mr. Johnson. There can be no greater responsibility than protecting our planet, and no mission that a Global Britain is prouder to serve. It will be the year when we choose a cleaner, greener future for all.
The ban, which Government advisers the Committee on Climate Change have called for by as early as 2030, will also include hybrid vehicles for the first time.
At an event attended by Sir David Attenborough, Mr. Johnson will call for international efforts to reach net-zero as early as possible through investment in cleaner technology and protection of natural habitat — which will also help reverse losses in wildlife.
Mr. Johnson said: “Hosting COP26 is an important opportunity for the UK and nations across the globe to step up in the fight against climate change. “As we set out our plans to hit our ambitious 2050 net-zero targets across this year, so we shall urge others to join us in pledging net zero emissions.
“There can be no greater responsibility than protecting our planet, and no mission that a Global Britain is prouder to serve.
“2020 must be the year we turn the tide on global warming- it will be the year when we choose a cleaner, greener future for all.”
The UN climate talks in November are the most important since the Paris Agreement to curb global warming was secured in 2015.
