The Climate Change Committee (CCC) has (25 June) published its annual progress report on the UK’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Their ‘Progress in reducing emissions – 2025 report to Parliament’, gives a warning that rising aviation emissions could undermine positive progress made in decarbonising surface transport.

Sue Percy CBE, Chief Executive, CIHT said:

"This latest CCC report reinforces the urgency of action across all areas of transport. CIHT will be encouraging the government to respond positively and swiftly to its recommendations. It is essential that expert advice is embedded into policy and delivery at every level."

The report highlights that overall, UK emissions fell by 2.5% in 2024, the tenth consecutive year of reductions, with total emissions now down 50.4% since 1990.

Encouragingly, the CCC notes that policies to reduce emissions have improved and that with further action to accelerate progress, the UK can meet its legally binding target to reach Net Zero by 2050.

Progress is being made to decarbonise the surface transport sector, notably the growth of the electric vehicle (EV) market. EVs now account for 19.6% of new car sales, narrowly missing the 2024 target of 22%. The number of EVs on the road is now doubling every 2 years. 

The Committee welcomed the government’s decision to reinstate the 2030 phase-out date for new petrol and diesel cars. The CCC also welcomed the 40% increase in public charge point installation achieved in 2024 and reported that new EVs are expected to cost the same as their petrol or diesel equivalent at some point between 2026 and 2028.

However, the CCC highlight more action is needed. The report makes a series of targeted recommendations for governments across the UK to:

·        Improve access to affordable, local public charging for drivers without private off-street parking

·        Accelerate the uptake of zero-emission vans

·        Scale up the sale and use of zero-emission heavy goods vehicles (HGVs)

·        Empower local authorities with the resources and powers to reduce car use by investing in public transport, walking and cycling infrastructure

Despite the strides made in surface transport, the Committee raised serious concerns about rising emissions from aviation, which increased by 9% in 2024. Demand has rebounded strongly following the pandemic, putting the UK's Net Zero trajectory at risk. 

The CCC is calling on the government to urgently develop a comprehensive policy framework to ensure the aviation sector takes full responsibility for reaching Net Zero by 2050. This may need to include reflecting the full environmental cost of flying in ticket prices and considering demand management measures if aviation emissions continue to exceed projected pathways.

Sue Percy CBE, Chief Executive, CIHT said:

“The recently released CIHT CLIMATES report echoes many of the CCC’s recent findings and show how the wider sector could help shape how we deliver our commitment on positive climate action. The scale and complexity of the climate crisis can at times feel overwhelming and it is easy to think that individual efforts are too small to make a meaningful difference. The recommendations that we outlined in CLIMATES reinforce the work of the CCC and the report urged governments to transparently demonstrate how their plans align with expert advice and for professionals to do more to hold them to account when they do not."

About CLIMATES

Changing Landscapes for Infrastructure and Mobility: Assessing Transport and Environment Scenarios

Earlier this month, CIHT released the final report from its year-long CLIMATES project, Doubling Down on Climate Action, which looked to answer the question.

"In an uncertain world, what priority actions in highways and transportation should we double down on in the next three years to meet the unfolding challenges of climate change as we look out to 2035 and beyond?"

The CCC’s recommendations align closely with priorities identified by CLIMATES, including:

• Building a skilled workforce to deliver Net Zero
• Supporting households and businesses through positive engagement and communication
• Aligning pricing structures with the true societal cost of carbon emissions

Recognising the need for continued professional scrutiny of climate action, CIHT is organising an expert webinar to explore the implications of the CCC’s report for the transport sector and transportation professionals. 

If you are interested in attending, you can register your interest by emailing climates@ciht.org.uk.

CIHT looks forward to continuing to work with the Climate Change Committee, Department for Transport, HM Treasury, and engaging with the Department for Net Zero and energy Security to aid the UK in meeting its Net Zero 2050 ambitions.