The Carbon Budget Order 2026

The order states that setting the budget is a statutory duty under sections 4(1)(a) and 8(1) of the Climate Change Act 2008.

The document asserts that this level is necessary to meet the 2050 target for net zero emissions established in section 1 of the Act.

The order notes that the Secretary of State took into account advice from the Committee on Climate Change as required by section 34 of the Act.

The document claims the budget helps the United Kingdom comply with its international and European legal obligations regarding climate change.

Proponents argue the budget provides long-term certainty for investment in low-carbon infrastructure by setting a clear cap on emissions years in advance.

Legal scholars may note that the effectiveness of the order depends on subsequent government policies to ensure the cap is not exceeded, as the order itself does not specify sector-by-sector reduction mandates.

Industrial groups have previously expressed concern that stringent carbon budgets may impact the sovereign competitiveness of energy-intensive industries if not matched by international partners.

Environmental organizations may argue that the cap of 535 million tonnes is insufficient to meet the 1.5-degree Celsius goal of the Paris Agreement, depending on their interpretation of cumulative emissions pathways.

Critics may point to the ambiguity of how the 'net UK carbon account' is calculated, specifically regarding the potential use of international carbon credits to meet the target.