The race to net zero will play out in ‘local issues’ – we must not ignore them

As we strive to tackle emissions in all sectors of our economy, decisions made at the regional level will become increasingly important, experts tell Daisy Dunne

Tree planting will need to be increased across the UK if we are to hit our net zero target (Getty Images)

The government’s decision not to intervene in plans for a new coal mine in Cumbria faced fresh scrutiny on Tuesday after the business secretary admitted there was a “slight tension” between the planned plant and the UK’s climate goals.

Plans for the UK’s first deep coal mine in 30 years were first given the green light by Cumbria county councillors in 2019. It emerged earlier this month that Robert Jenrick, secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, opted not to use his powers to “call in” the decision for review – despite the government’s pledges to rapidly decarbonise the UK’s economy. Speaking to a parliamentary committee, Kwasi Kwarteng admitted there was “a slight tension between the opening of this mine and our intention to decarbonise.”

His comments came a few days after The Independent reported that a North Yorkshire woodland faces the axe over plans to expand a water bottling plant.