The U.K. government released its Net Zero Strategy this week, less than two weeks prior to COP26. The Strategy lays out a plan for reaching net zero emissions by 2050, mapping out funds for electric vehicles, nuclear and wind energy, carbon capture and storage, low-carbon heating systems, ecosystem restoration, and more (Reuters, BBC). The plan estimates about £26 billion of funding will come from the public sector through 2025, and £60 billion from the private sector (The Guardian). It will create up to 440,000 jobs by 2030. 

While many note that the plan is an important step in the right direction, activists argue that it falls short. Broadly, critics are concerned the plan does not have enough funding to support its initiatives and reach net neutrality. The 440,000 jobs are not exclusively new jobs; they include jobs that would naturally transition, such as car manufacturing jobs switching to electric. More specifically, the plan does not end fossil fuel usage, calls for just 10% of aviation fuel to be sustainable by 2030, does not include detailed information about building efficiency, and does not mention reductions in meat consumption. However, U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson notes that the plan serves as an example for other countries ahead of COP26 and will help lead the way to global net zero emissions. He aims to commit more countries to net zero goals at the COP (CNN).