Cleaning Up: Leadership in an Age of Climate Change

Net Zero Isn’t Impossible, It’s The Key To UK Prosperity — Ep202: Emma Pinchbeck

Mar 26, 2025

In this discussion, Emma Pinchbeck, CEO of the Climate Change Committee, shares her insights on the UK’s impressive progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions while boosting the economy. She emphasizes the importance of leadership and accountability in decarbonization efforts and reflects on the challenges of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Emma also unveils the need for innovation in climate solutions, advocating for collaborative efforts between government and markets to secure a sustainable, prosperous future.

01:08:48

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Emma Pinchbeck

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Quick takeaways

The UK has successfully halved greenhouse gas emissions since 1990, showcasing a model for economic growth alongside climate action.

The Climate Change Committee provides essential guidance for the UK government through flexible carbon budgets aimed at achieving net-zero targets.

Leadership in the energy sector is crucial for leveraging opportunities in electrification, requiring a shift in mindset among traditional energy companies.

Deep dives

The Economic Case for Electrification

Electrifying the economy is crucial for improving energy economics and reducing dependence on gas imports. Households are projected to save approximately £700 on fuel bills by 2050 when using electric vehicles and heat pumps. The economic benefits of transitioning to electricity extend beyond individual households, with broader implications for the overall economy and energy security. This shift arises from the realization that incumbent industries risk being outperformed by more efficient, cheaper alternatives.

Intro

4min

Navigating Change in Energy Leadership

6min

Shifting Perspectives on Energy Security and Renewables

3min

Navigating Decarbonization: The Role of the CCC

15min

Navigating the Electric Transition: Challenges and Opportunities in Utility Sectors

4min

Navigating Climate Solutions and Policy Innovation

29min

Climate Adaptation and Risk Assessment

6min

Leadership and Climate Action: A New Era for the UK

2min

The UK is an extraordinary case study in how to cut greenhouse gas pollution successfully. Since 1990, the country has more than halved its greenhouse gas emissions, while the economy has grown by over 80%.

The Climate Change Act, passed in 2008, has helped steer the UK towards its net-zero goals, setting five yearly carbon budgets that are specifically designed to be ambitious but flexible, with lots of options available to the government to meet the targets.

Joining this week’s episode of Cleaning Up is Emma Pinchbeck, the new CEO of the Climate Change Committee (CCC), the organisation which advises the government on the route it should take to net zero.

Emma spent close to a decade leading the UK’s energy sector trade association, and is now responsible for producing advice on the UK's final three carbon budgets. In February, the CCC published the seventh carbon budget, which covers the period centred around the year 2040.

Emma joins Bryony Worthington to talk about the progress the UK is making in meeting its carbon targets, the challenges ahead, and why it's so important the UK holds the course, even if others have chosen to abandon their climate ambitions.

Leadership Circle:

Cleaning Up is supported by the Leadership Circle, and its founding members: Actis, Alcazar Energy, Davidson Kempner, EcoPragma Capital, EDP of Portugal, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information on the Leadership Circle, please visit https://www.cleaningup.live.

Links:

The 7th Carbon Budget: https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/the-seventh-carbon-budget/
Emma’s previous appearance on Cleaning Up: https://youtu.be/66flrmMEmso

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