Committee on Climate Change

Analysis suggests that 5 MTCO₂e of additional emissions reduction may be possible by 2030. This is in addition to the 4.5 MTCO₂e assumed to be targeted by the Government in the period to 2020.

This level reflects soils and livestock measures identified in the Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC) analysis, excluding measures where there is a lower degree of confidence given remaining uncertainty. It does not include abatement potential from reducing on-farm CO₂ emissions, more radical supply-side options, and changes in consumer behaviour (e.g. through reduced food waste and rebalancing diets).

This level of abatement is provided as an indicative trajectory for agriculture but the Committee recognises the high level of uncertainty over future emissions, both as regards business as usual emissions and the emissions impact of abatement measures. As uncertainties are resolved over time, the Committee will revisit abatement potential in agriculture in the context of its contribution to emissions reductions by 2030.