The United Kingdom has announced a new climate target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 87% by 2040 compared to 1990 levels, as part of efforts to speed up its transition to net zero.

The government says the plan is aimed at strengthening energy security and reducing exposure to global fossil fuel price swings, while also supporting long-term economic growth through investment in clean energy.

Energy Minister Ed Miliband said the push toward cleaner domestic energy is necessary to protect households and businesses from repeated energy price shocks caused by global disruptions in oil and gas markets.

While the target sets a clear direction, the government has not yet released detailed steps on how it will be achieved, including the pace of changes expected across industries such as transport, housing, and power generation.

Climate advisers, including the Climate Change Committee, have previously said that reaching such deep cuts would require major investment in renewable energy, electric vehicles, heat pumps, and broader shifts in how energy is used across the economy.

The announcement comes as the UK continues to face rising energy costs linked to global instability in fuel markets, reigniting debate over how quickly the country should move away from fossil fuels.