In response to the Climate Change Committee's progress report, David Hawkes, interim associate director of policy and external affairs, Institution of Civil Engineers, said:
"Delays, reversals, and inconsistent plans have hindered the UK’s decarbonisation progress. Despite this, the UK has reduced emissions by more than half.
"But with the roll out of many low-carbon technologies behind schedule, the new government is going to have to act fast to meet the 2030 target.
"The focus must shift to supporting public behaviour changes and adapting the UK’s existing infrastructure for climate change.
"Two key things the government could do are address barriers to installing heat pumps and buying electric cars and make the Adaptation Reporting Power from the UK Climate Change Act mandatory.
"Long-term, consistent plans, backed up by sensible policies are key to reaching net zero. Energy, transport, devolution and planning reform were key themes in yesterday's King's Speech. That was encouraging, and now the focus needs to be on picking up the pace to meet the UK's economic, social, and environmental goals."
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