Telegraph Money takes a closer look, from solar to heat pumps and electric cars. British homeowners and drivers are under pressure to significantly reduce their emissions, thanks to the government’s major decarbonisation policy and proposals to achieve net zero by 2050. The concept of net zero stems from a recommendation by the Climate Change Committee, the government’s independent environmental adviser, in May 2019. Before the net zero target, Britain had a legally binding target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80 % by 2025 compared to 1990 levels. The new target of reducing emissions by 100 % by 2050 became legally binding in 2019 as part of an amendment to the Climate Change Act 2008. Historically, much of the cost of carbon has been borne by industry, but there are concerns that the government is increasingly shifting the responsibility for net zero onto ordinary people – while offering few incentives. This may mean we have to finance our own decarbonisation, but that is easier said than done in the midst of a cost of living crisis. For example, switching to an electric vehicle (EV) may be a key part of the UK’s drive to achieve net zero, but a new family electric car could easily cost £25,000. Similarly, improving the energy efficiency of a property with heat pumps or solar panels can often come with a five-figure price tag (albeit with potential long-term benefits). Here, Telegraph Money takes a closer look at what is involved in adopting the government's net zero initiatives and how much they could cost you. (Esther Shaw, The Telegraph)