Where do UK's PM Candidates Stand on Net Zero Goal?

It was once thought to be settled policy, supported by all major political parties and enshrined in United Kingdom UK law. The policy called for "net zero," or a rapid reduction in climate-damaging greenhouse gas emissions so that we stopped emitting more than we took out. However, the combination of a cost-of-living crisis and the need to find a new Prime Minister has called Britain's commitment to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 into question.

Despite the fact that scientists are unanimous in their belief that immediate action is required if we are to have a chance of keeping global temperature rises below 1.5 degrees Celsius and reducing the risk of severe climate change consequences. None of the five remaining Conservative leadership candidates openly questions the science that underpins net zero policies: that humans are rapidly warming the planet.

However, disagreements arise regarding whether net zero represents an opportunity or a cost, what should be done, and, most importantly, how quickly change should occur. At hustings on Wednesday, each of the remaining leadership candidates was asked if they were still committed to reaching net zero by 2050.