Head of climate change watchdog criticizes Rishi Sunak for setting back progress, says Chris Stark

Headline: Government Watchdog Criticizes Rishi Sunak for Setting UK Back on Climate Change Goals

In a recent interview with the BBC, Chris Stark, the head of the Climate Change Committee (CCC), expressed his concerns about the UK’s progress on climate change under the leadership of Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Chancellor Rishi Sunak. Stark accused Sunak of not prioritizing climate change as much as his predecessors, sending a message to the world that the UK is now “less ambitious” in its climate goals.

Stark highlighted the significant progress made towards reaching the climate target of net zero by 2050 under previous administrations but expressed disappointment in the current government’s approach. He emphasized the importance of decarbonizing various sectors such as transportation, agriculture, and industry to achieve the net zero goal effectively.

The government defended its record on net zero, citing achievements in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and setting ambitious climate change targets. However, Stark warned that the UK is at risk of falling behind in its climate commitments if more action is not taken.

Stark also criticized the SNP government in Scotland for scaling back on climate targets, calling their decision “desperately disappointing.” He urged political leaders, including Labour’s Keir Starmer, to be bolder in addressing climate change and emphasized the need for collective action to combat the growing climate crisis.

The interview with Chris Stark will be broadcast on the Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg show, where Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho and Labour’s shadow justice secretary Shabana Mahmood will also be featured. Viewers can tune in to BBC One and iPlayer for the live show and follow updates on the BBC News website.