Protesters during a Climate emergency protest in Parliament Square (Picture: getty)

Britain has become the first major economy to legislate to end its contribution to global warming, the Government has said.

It comes as a target to cut greenhouse gas emissions to ‘net zero’ by 2050 has become law.

Energy and Clean Growth Minister Chris Skidmore said: ‘The UK kick-started the Industrial Revolution, which was responsible for economic growth across the globe but also for increasing emissions.

‘Today we’re leading the world yet again in becoming the first major economy to pass new laws to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050 while remaining committed to growing the economy – putting clean growth at the heart of our modern Industrial Strategy.

‘We’re pioneering the way for other countries to follow in our footsteps driving prosperity by seizing the economic opportunities of becoming a greener economy.’

On Wednesday some 12,000 people protested outside parliament to lobby lawmakers to start driving the sweeping changes needed to meet the new target.

The protest was the latest sign of an upsurge in public concern over the climate crisis, spurred by reports of extreme weather from around the world and increasingly urgent warnings from scientists over the risk of climate breakdown.

At least 12,000 people joined a mass lobby and protest in Westminster on Wednesday, organisers said (Picture: PA)

Britain became the first G7 country to adopt the legally-binding target to reduce net carbon emissions this month (Picture: PA)

Campaigners say the government should be working at a faster pace to reach the 2050 target (Picture: PA)

Green party MP Caroline Lucas said during the protest: ‘Normally governments are worried about public opposition if they move too far, too fast.

‘But I think they’re misreading the mood, they could be going faster and further.’

Delegations from across the country met at least 200 MPs during the lobby, according to organisers at The Climate Coalition and Greener UK, which combine more than 130 environmental groups.

Clara Goldsmith, campaigns director at The Climate Coalition, said: ‘If the UK can demonstrate that it’s a leader, then that’s going to encourage others.’

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Britain became the first G7 country to adopt a legally-binding target to reduce net carbon emissions to zero by 2050, a move with far-reaching implications for energy, transport, food, agriculture and other sectors.

But campaigners say the government’s support for fracking and a third runway at London’s Heathrow Airport raise questions about its commitment to a low-carbon future.