On 24 June 2016 the United Kingdom voted 52% to 48% in a referendum to leave the European Union. Many resources are now likely to be diverted from running the EU and progressing important policies toward instead managing and negotiating the referendum implications. The UK has strong historic electricity and gas links with Europe and is deeply entwined with EU low carbon agenda, from the Emission Trading System (ETS) to the 2030 Framework for Climate and Energy. Three big questions emerge regarding climate, energy and environment after Brexit:

• Does the UK develop new climate policies or remain with the EU’s?
• How will the UK’s link with the EU’s ETS develop?
• What will the UK’s departure mean for EU policy ambition?

This brief explores these questions and uncertainties. However, one thing remains certain: As our statement read immediately after the referendum result, Bellona has championed environmental and climate protection in Europe from outside EU membership for over 20 years and will continue to do so. While domestic implications for the UK remain unclear, NGOs’ voices in Europe will continue to be heard.