The challenge that now lies ahead of us: How HS2 plans to reach destination net zero

clock • 5 min read

HS2's CEO Mark Thurston sets out the challenges and ambitions for the high speed electric rail project in achieving its net zero ambition while seeking to minimise the impact on nature

The carbon emissions challenge the transport industry faces has never been clearer. The UK's pledge to bring greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050 is rightly considered amongst the most pressing...

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