30.06.20
Committee Chairs call on Chancellor to avert climate crisis
Chair of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee, Darren Jones and Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) Phillip Dunne have written to Chancellor Rishi Sunak to warn him that time is running out on the climate emergency.
In the letter, the Chairs instil the urgent need to accelerate the country’s move to net zero carbon and highlight the importance of taking green opportunities where available as the economy recovers.
The call for further investment on climate adaptation comes as the EAC launches a new inquiry ‘Greening the post-COVID recovery’ which will monitor the Government’s economic recovery packages in anticipation of a full report ahead of the Autumn Budget.
According to climate scientists, there is only a short window of opportunity to manage global temperature rises and The UN Environmental Programme also states that existing commitments to cut emissions would only limit temperature rises to 3.2°C by 2100.
READ MORE: MP Philip Dunne, The Green Glimmer of Hope
Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee Chair, Darren Jones, said:
“The post-pandemic world offers an opportunity for the UK to step up our efforts to tackle climate change, to foster a green-recovery and accelerate the transition to net-zero. From transport, to industry, to heating, buildings and energy efficiency, there are a series of priorities for action which the UK should pursue if we are to successfully decarbonise our economy.
“I hope the Chancellor will be bold in his investment in infrastructure and people, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to tackling climate change, boosting the prospects of a green recovery, creating net zero related jobs, and bolstering the UK’s credibility as a net zero leader in the run up to COP26.”
Many of the actions needed to upgrade and decarbonise the transport network, housing stock and energy infrastructure will support the creation of new green jobs and boost supply chains in addition to their climate benefits.
LISTEN: Ep 3. Industrial decarbonisation and hydrogen energy, Prof Joe Howe