A Fair Deal on Climate, Energy and Nature
Liberal Democrats have long been champions of the environment. Our manifesto outlines an ambitious and comprehensive plan to tackle the climate crisis, protect natural resources and promote green innovation
Everyone should be able to enjoy our natural environment, and our children should inherit the future they deserve. We must act now – locally, nationally and globally. The UK can lead the world with innovation and ingenuity, while boosting the economy and enhancing everyone’s quality of life.
Achieve Net Zero by 2045
We will set out a clear roadmap to net zero, repairing damage done by Conservative U-turns and giving businesses the confidence to invest. Key components include:
- Renewable Energy Investment: Significantly increasing investment in renewable energy sources while ending subsidies for fossil fuels and banning fracking.
- Cut Emissions: Incentivize businesses and individuals to reduce their carbon footprint, with revenues reinvested in green technologies and public services.
- Home Energy Upgrades: Implementing an emergency Home Energy Upgrade programme to cut emissions and energy bills. Ensuring new homes are energy efficient and supporting insulation schemes for existing homes.
Protect Natural Resources
The UK faces a nature crisis, with one in six species threatened with extinction and air pollution causing thousands of deaths annually. Our plan to restore nature includes:
- End the Sewage Scandal: By transforming water companies into public benefit companies, banning bonuses for water bosses until discharges and leaks end, and replacing OFWAT with a tough regulator with new powers to prevent sewage dumps.
- Restore Nature: Creating three new national parks, promoting rewilding projects, and supporting farmers in adopting nature-friendly practices.
- Tackle Plastic Pollution: Plans to eliminate all non-recyclable single-use plastics to be replaced with affordable alternatives. Introducing a deposit return scheme for food and drink bottles and containers.
Promote Green Innovation
The transition to a green economy presents significant economic opportunities. We will put tackling climate change at the heart of a new industrial strategy:
- Green Investment Bank: Establishing a Green Investment Bank to support investment in clean energy, transport, and industry.
- Green Skills Program: Investing in education and training to equip people with the skills needed for the low-carbon economy of the future.
- Incentives for Businesses: Providing tax breaks and grants for businesses that adopt sustainable practices.
Liberal Democrats understand that encouraging communities to make the changes we all need is the best approach. We will implement incentives and promote local decision-making to facilitate these changes.
For more detailed information on our policies, take a look at our 2024 manifesto here.