Aldersgate Group reaction: Publication of the Climate Change Committee’s Seventh Carbon Budget advice

Responding to the publication of the Climate Change Committee’s Seventh Carbon Budget advice, Rachel Solomon Williams, Executive Director of the Aldersgate Group, said: “This advice represents a crucial moment for UK climate policy, setting out a clear pathway for how emissions reductions can be delivered in 2038-42 as well as what will be needed in the preceding years. The government must take the committee’s policy recommendations on board and use them to inform its strategies to deliver emissions reductions while driving growth and prosperity across the country. The UK has a unique opportunity to cement its place as a global leader on climate change, including in low carbon investment, services and industry. Businesses recognise this fact and want to see bold action, not only because it is the right thing to do, but because it makes clear economic sense. Recent figures from the CBI and ECIU have shown the net zero economy growing significantly faster than other parts of the UK economy and delivering higher levels of productivity, with each role generating economic value 38% above the UK average. To enhance these successes, the private sector now needs the government to provide the appropriate policy and regulation to help it play its part.

“As shown in the committee’s advice, harnessing the opportunities associated with delivering net zero and driving growth will require decisive short-term action and investment as part of a coherent long-term strategy. For example, the report highlights the fact that delivering the carbon budgets will rely on reducing UK electricity costs, enabling the necessary technology transition while boosting economic growth and keeping household bills down. We urge the government to prioritise clean electricity cost reduction for all users, ensuring that UK citizens and businesses can play their part in the transition and enjoy the benefits of doing so.”