What does the new Government’s net zero agenda mean for young people?

With the newly elected Government at the wheel, the UK is repositioning itself and making decarbonisation a priority across the economy once again. The public, particularly young people, remain concerned about the future impacts of climate change, with 65% believing that it will reduce the quality of life for future generations and 56% fearing its impact on their local communities, according to research from The National Lottery Community Fund. Evidence from the recent UK Climate Change Committee (CCC) report highlighted the urgency to act, as current credible plans only cover a third of the emissions reductions and are off track from achieving the 68% target set for 2030.

Within this looming context facing the new Government’s first 100 days, recent and upcoming policies should factor in how young people may respond to these new initiatives and balance this with what they want the Government to prioritise.

Upholding renewable power sources should not come at the expense of higher electricity bills

Early on, the new Government has indicated that prioritising renewable power is an important part of its wider energy and industrial policy agenda. This is evident with actions such as lifting the ban on onshore wind farms, granting development consent to three major solar projects, and announcing Great British Energy during The King’s Speech, aiming to accelerate renewable energy deployment and integration within the national power grid. For young people, these measures move in the right direction to encourage tangible future investments in reducing dependence upon fossil fuels should play a role in addressing their main concern: affordability. Lessons from the cost-of-living crisis remain fresh in how rising energy costs have worsened financial insecurity and disproportionately affected fuel poverty.

Consequently, we would highlight the importance of shifting policy and network costs away from electricity bills within the new Government’s first 100 days as mentioned in the Aldersgate Group’s recent 10-Point Plan. Early announcement of the intention to rebalance these levies would further prove that the Government is tackling the net zero transition, providing pathways to reduce wholesale electricity prices and supporting young people.

Increasing accessibility of homes should incorporate consistent & improved sustainability standards

For young people, the new Government’s ambitious housing development agenda provides a new direction in addressing existing accessibility concerns. Their ambition has been demonstrated with the signaling of further powers to local authorities to accelerate current stalled projects covering 14,000 homes, alongside proposing mandatory targets of 1.5 million homes built in the National Planning Policy Framework. With 80% currently unable to afford a home, we remain hopeful that the increased supply can enhance further affordability. The UK needs nuanced policymaking to fill in the 4.3 million houses shortfall within the national housing market, while ensuring the protection of nature and landscapes.

Nevertheless, new housing developments should maintain consistent sustainable building standards, such as maintaining a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C in line with the 2035 targets for all homes as indicated in Aldersgate Group’s Programme for Government. More generally, young people demand energy efficiency to further uphold sustainability within the net-zero transition, with the UK CCC calling for accelerated installation of heat pumps to replace fossil fuel boilers in further decarbonising homes. With policies such as the Warm Homes Bill to be expected later this year, the new Government must prioritise sustainability and accessibility in current and future homes.

Upskilling efforts should further consider mitigating the information gap regarding opportunities available to young people.

As young people become more concerned about job opportunities, with the youth unemployment rate standing at 13.6%, the new Government’s upskilling agenda will be of great interest. With the recent announcement of Skills England to replace some of the functions previously under the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE), questions remain on identifying national and local skills needs and adjusting the Growth and Skills Levy. Yet for young people, this may not be the most pressing concern.

A more significant barrier revolves around the lack of information available about these opportunities. Despite the growing popularity of sustainability sectors, the information gap and issues around accessibility are notable. 46% of young people have not heard about green jobs during their education. This not only limits the potential opportunities that they could contribute to but also widens the skills gap and deters progress towards decarbonisation implementation. Therefore, there needs to be more incentives and accessible information through increased awareness of apprenticeships by students, and financial support for SMEs regarding apprenticeship schemes, such that our generation can access and thrive in training and careers towards the future green economy.

Upholding young people’s perspectives in policy development

To young people, the new Government represents a change in policy dynamics and commitments towards the UK’s net-zero targets. However, this change should be backed up by delivery and consistent messages demonstrating the UK’s commitment towards cross-sectoral decarbonisation. Most importantly, young people expect the new Government to take accountability for their progress and properly deliver these programmes to build trust with the public. Whilst initial policies and proposals hint at getting back on track, only time will tell whether there is tangible progress towards decarbonisation that upholds the interests of young people.

Duc Huynh is a Policy Communications Project Assistant at the Aldersgate Group.