Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Answer of 15 July 2019 to Question 275103 on Carbon Emissions: EU Countries, what dates have been set as targets for net zero emissions by (a) Finland, (b) Denmark, (c) Germany and (d) Portugal.

The UK was the first major economy to legislate for a net zero target. The action we are taking in setting this target will continue our proud tradition of climate leadership.

Finland, Denmark, Germany and Portugal have all set out aspirations or proposals to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions or net zero carbon emissions by 2050. However, none has yet enshrined such a commitment in law.

Finland has stated its intention to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2035. Denmark has set out an intention to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 in its climate plan ‘Together for a Greener Future’. Germany is currently debating a draft climate law which proposes a target for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Portugal has approved a roadmap to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.