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Climate protesters want net zero carbon emissions - is it possible?

Insight is your guide to the science and technology that is transforming our world, giving you everything you need to know about the issues that matter most

By Adam Vaughan

18 April 2019

Extinction Rebellion protestors in London on 15 April — Extinction Rebellion protestors in London on 15 April
Dinendra Haria/LNP/Shutterstock

Hundreds of people were arrested this week for taking part in protests organised by Extinction Rebellion, a group demanding that the UK set legally binding targets to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2025. The activists may not get their wish, but the Committee on Climate Change (CCC), which advises the UK government, is due to publish a report on 2 May that is expected to recommend a net-zero target for 2050.

This is, at least, an improvement on the UK’s current position, which is to cut carbon emissions…

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