Net zero aviation and shipping

Environmental Audit Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 20 Jul 2021 Closed: 13 Mar 2025 Parliament page
Aviation and shipping pose major challenges to reducing emissions. Together they account for 10% of UK greenhouse gas emissions and on current trends, aviation will be the largest emitting sector by 2050. The Government has set ambitious targets to reach net zero emissions by 2050 for the UK’s share of … Read more
32 Recommendations
38 Conclusions
2 Reports
5 Oral sessions
3 Letters
5 Events
Activity timeline 17 events
13 Mar
2025
Correspondence
13 Feb
2025
Report published
13 Feb
2025
Correspondence
29 May
2024
Report published
3 Apr
2024
Report published
21 Dec
2023
Report published
9 Jun
2022
Correspondence
18 May
2022
Oral evidence
18 May
2022
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 6, Palace of Westminster
30 Mar
2022
Oral evidence
30 Mar
2022
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 15, Palace of Westminster
26 Jan
2022
Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions 5 sessions
18 May 2022
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Panel 1; Panel 3
Eamonn Beirne · Department for Transport Emma Gilthorpe · Jet Zero Council Holly Greig · Department for Transport Lee Rowley · Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Paul Griffiths · Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Robert Courts · Department for Transport Sophie Lane · Aerospace Technology Institute
30 Mar 2022
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Panel 1; Panel 2
Andy Cornell · Renewable Transport Fuel Association David Morgan · easyJet Dr Neville Hargreaves · Velocys Helena Bennett · Green Alliance Hemant Mistry · International Air Transport Association Jonathon Counsell · International Airlines Group Mr Jonathan Hinkles · Loganair Paddy Lowe · Zero Petroleum
26 Jan 2022
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Alex Clark · Smith School of Enterprise and Environment, University of Oxford Dr Tristan Smith · UCL Energy Institute Guy Platten · International Chamber of Shipping Katharine Palmer · Lloyd's Register Michael Parker · Citi Mike McCartain · Associated British Ports
1 Dec 2021
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Panel 1; Panel 2
Glenn Llewellyn · Airbus Hannah Tew · Connected Places Catapult Leo Murray · Possible Matt Gorman · Heathrow Airport Tim Johnson · Aviation Environment Federation Val Miftakhov · ZeroAvia
27 Oct 2021
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Panel 1; Panel 2
Anna Ziou · UK Chamber of Shipping Chris Young · Rolls-Royce Dr Andy Jefferson · Sustainable Aviation Dr Chika Miyoshi · Cranfield University Sarah Kenny · Maritime UK Simon Bullock · Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, University of Manchester
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Seventh Report - Net zero and UK shipping HC 509 29 May 2024 33 Responded
Third Report - Net zero and the UK aviation sector HC 404 21 Dec 2023 37 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
16 results
Clear
2 Conclusion Deferred
Third Report - Net zero and the UK…
Commission and support research into aviation's total environmental effects for net zero strategy
We consider that any strategy designed to reduce the impact of UK aviation activity on global warming ought to encompass the environmental effects of aviation in their entirety. We therefore recommend that the Government actively commission, promote and support research … Read more
Government Response
The government notes the recommendation but responds by stating it will include international aviation and shipping emissions in the Sixth Carbon Budget, legislating for this at the earliest opportunity, rather than committing to actively commissioning and supporting broader research into aviation's total environmental effects.
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5 Recommendation Deferred
Third Report - Net zero and the UK…
Lay draft statutory instrument defining international aviation and shipping emissions before Parliament
We recommend that the Government lay before Parliament for approval, without further delay, a draft statutory instrument under section 30 of the Climate Change Act 2008 to define the emissions from international aviation and international shipping which are to be … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the recommendation but does not commit to laying the draft statutory instrument. Instead, it discusses the refreshed Airspace Modernisation Strategy and its focus on modernising airspace and enabling new aircraft technologies.
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7 Recommendation Deferred
Third Report - Net zero and the UK…
Commission comparative analysis of UK aircraft emissions models with Climate Change Committee.
We recommend that the Government work with the Climate Change Committee and Sustainable Aviation on a comparative analysis of the models underpinning the projections for UK aircraft emissions, so as to reach consensus, as far as possible, on the likely … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees with the recommendation but deflects the request for a comparative analysis of aviation emissions models. Instead, it focuses on the sustainability criteria of the forthcoming Sustainable Aviation Fuel mandate and its efforts to promote high SAF standards internationally.
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10 Recommendation Deferred
Third Report - Net zero and the UK…
Maintain and enhance engagement with aviation for 2% annual CO2 reduction monitoring.
We recommend that the Government sustain and enhance its engagement with the aviation industry on the delivery of operational efficiencies from current and future fleets of aircraft operating through the UK, to maintain the ambition to secure 2% year- on-year … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees, but focuses instead on its aspiration for zero-emission domestic routes by 2030 and a net-zero target for UK domestic aviation by 2040. It also outlines significant funding for the Aerospace Technology Institute Programme to support low and zero-carbon aircraft technology development.
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11 Recommendation Deferred
Third Report - Net zero and the UK…
Intensify DfT and CAA work on airspace modernisation, prioritising environmental sustainability.
We recommend that the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority intensify their work on airspace modernisation, bearing in mind the overarching principle of environmental sustainability.
Government Response
The government agrees but deflects the specific focus on airspace modernisation. Instead, it details the launch of a multi-year, multi-million aviation non-CO2 research programme to improve understanding and mitigation of non-CO2 climate impacts, with initial calls for academic projects launched in October 2023.
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12 Conclusion Deferred
Third Report - Net zero and the UK…
Support exists for Government's aim to achieve net zero in UK airport operations.
We support the Government’s aim to secure net zero in UK airport operations by
Government Response
The government agrees but focuses on enhancing the UK Emissions Trading Scheme for aviation, including phasing out free allocation by 2026. It will also develop and consult on proposals for how the UK ETS should treat Sustainable Aviation Fuel use, exploring alternatives to SAF being zero-rated in the future.
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19 Recommendation Deferred
Third Report - Net zero and the UK…
Implement a price support mechanism to incentivise investment in SAF production pathways.
The Government must match its ambition for the development of a domestic SAF industry with an appropriate appetite for risk and innovation in order to ensure that commercial production of truly sustainable fuels develops at pace. The introduction of a … Read more
Government Response
The government notes the recommendation, referring to prior commitments to introduce a revenue certainty mechanism, with a delivery plan by the end of 2026. It will publish a consultation on options for designing and implementing the mechanism within six months of the Energy Act 2023 Royal Assent.
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28 Conclusion Deferred
Third Report - Net zero and the UK…
Aviation demand management is effective but lacks formal modelling in Jet Zero Strategy.
There is considerable dispute over the desirability of policy measures which would reduce UK aviation emissions by reducing the demand for aviation services. The Climate Change Committee has been clear that demand management is the most effective way of reducing … Read more
Government Response
The government noted the conclusion, stating its Jet Zero Strategy focuses on new fuels and technology rather than limiting aviation growth, but committed to considering further measures if emissions targets are not met.
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30 Conclusion Deferred
Third Report - Net zero and the UK…
Jet Zero Strategy lacks direct policies to discourage flying, relying on indirect measures.
While the Jet Zero Strategy contains measures to influence consumers towards more sustainable choices, and includes carbon pricing measures which will have an indirect effect on demand, it does not include any policy instruments designed to discourage flying in favour … Read more
Government Response
The government notes the recommendation, reiterating its Jet Zero Strategy focus on new fuels and technology, and states it will only consider further measures if the sector is not meeting its emissions reductions trajectory.
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32 Conclusion Deferred
Third Report - Net zero and the UK…
Government’s high-ambition Jet Zero Strategy carries risk of failing emissions targets.
We recognise that the Government’s decision, while consistent with a policy of promoting the UK aviation industry, carries a degree of risk. In order to deliver the emissions reductions foreseen, the high ambition scenario in the Jet Zero Strategy needs … Read more
Government Response
The government notes the recommendation, reiterating its Jet Zero Strategy focus on new fuels and technology, and states that it will only consider further measures if the sector is not meeting its emissions reductions trajectory.
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37 Recommendation Deferred
Third Report - Net zero and the UK…
Develop policy proposals for aviation demand reduction, including frequent flyer levy.
Should the evidence of the review indicate that technological measures alone will not deliver the emissions reductions predicted, we recommend that Ministers reconsider the role of demand management measures in aviation emissions policy. In preparation for the outcome of that … Read more
Government Response
The government notes the recommendation but reiterates its current strategy to achieve net zero without limiting aviation growth, stating it will only consider further measures if the sector is not meeting its emissions reductions trajectory.
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11 Conclusion Deferred
Seventh Report - Net zero and UK s…
Shipping decarbonisation research funding dwarfed by aviation technology investment.
The provision of up to £206 million of matching funding for research into low- and zero-emission shipping is to be applauded, and no doubt represents a step change in Government investment in the field. It is, however, dwarfed by the … Read more
Government Response
The government partially accepts, recognizing the need for further R&D. It states it will consider how to take forward this recommendation as part of the next multi-year spending review, deferring specific commitments.
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12 Conclusion Deferred
Seventh Report - Net zero and UK s…
Failure to guarantee long-term funding for maritime decarbonisation research risks stifling progress.
The Government’s current refusal to guarantee funding for research and development into maritime decarbonisation beyond March 2025 is regrettable. We note that the Aviation Technology Institute has received a guarantee of funding to 2030, no doubt reflecting the importance to … Read more
Government Response
The government partially accepts, acknowledging the need for further R&D and calls for long-term certainty. It states it will consider how to progress this recommendation as part of the next multi-year spending review.
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17 Recommendation Deferred
Seventh Report - Net zero and UK s…
Consult on introducing a revenue support mechanism to incentivise UK zero-emission marine fuel production.
We recommend that Ministers consult on the introduction of a revenue support mechanism to incentivise the commercial production of zero-emission marine fuels in the UK. (Paragraph 139) Technical measures to decarbonise shipping: efficiency improvements Read more
Government Response
The government notes the recommendation, recognising the need for low-carbon fuels but stating more evidence is needed on how to incentivise UK production. They are committed to gathering further evidence on the potential production of these fuels.
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22 Conclusion Deferred
Seventh Report - Net zero and UK s…
IMO existing ship efficiency standards lack ambition; more stringent UK approach offers benefits.
IMO standards for existing ship efficiency provide progressively more stringent measures to require the existing fleet to reduce its emissions. Current measures have been criticised for a lack of ambition. While the amendments to the MARPOL Convention currently being contemplated … Read more
Government Response
The government notes the conclusion, recognising the need for improvements to IMO short-term measures and committing to push for changes through the ongoing IMO review process. However, it deems it premature to consult on a more stringent UK approach while the IMO review is underway.
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23 Recommendation Deferred
Seventh Report - Net zero and UK s…
Consult on regulating carbon intensity of vessels entering UK ports for 'A' to 'C' ratings.
We recommend that Ministers consult on the emissions benefits to be achieved through regulating the maximum carbon intensity of vessels allowed to enter UK ports, with a view to permitting only those vessels rated ‘A’ to ‘C’ for carbon intensity … Read more
Government Response
The government notes the recommendation but defers action, stating it would be premature to consult on regulating carbon intensity of vessels entering UK ports given the ongoing IMO review process. It will continue to support the IMO review and explore further domestic measures.
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Government Response AI assessment · 66 of 32 classified
Accepted 29
Accepted in Part 11
Acknowledged 9
Deferred 16
Rejected 1
Total 32 recs + 38 conclusions
Correspondence 3 letters
13 Mar 2025 To committee Letter from the Secretary of State for Transport relating to the Government's Response to the Seventh Report from the Environmental Audit Committee of Session 2023–24, on Net zero and UK shipping, dated 3 March 2025
Parliament page
13 Feb 2025 To committee Letter from the Chair of the Committee to the Secretary of State for Transport, relating to the Government's Response to the Seventh Report from the Environmental Audit Committee of Session 2023–24, on Net zero and UK shipping, dated 12 February 2025
Parliament page
9 Jun 2022 To committee Letter from the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Security), Department for Transport, relating to the impact on aviation emissions in relation to the changes to rates for Air Passenger Duty banding, dated 27 May 2022
Parliament page