Time to deliver: building a competitive and inclusive green economy

The low carbon economy is already thriving in the UK, and it could go further.

Well-developed climate policy, supported by ambitious and properly enforced regulations offers numerous economic opportunities including increased investment in skills, research and innovation[1] as well as market and job creation.[2] Indeed, this has been a key lesson from the adoption of the Climate Change Act in 2008, which shows that growing the economy is not incompatible with cutting emissions, and that, properly managed, tighter emissions and environmental standards can deliver significant economic and social benefits.

An urgent and concrete step up in action is critical to put the UK on a credible pathway to achieving its commitment to a net zero emissions economy and to reverse the decline of the natural environment. A timely transition towards a net zero economy offers significant economic growth and industrial competitiveness opportunities if supported by a comprehensive policy package.