The British Chambers of Commerce has published its Green Innovation Challenge report, outlining a series of proposals for policymakers to aid the UK’s transition to net zero.
Based on expertise from businesses across various sectors, academia and think tanks, the report is the first of five policy documents to be published by the BCC’s new Business Council as part of its wider Future of Economy project.
While it recognises that the UK has “one of the most substantial legal frameworks for climate change anywhere in the world”, it also reinforces that there are “significant challenges ahead” due to gaps in current policy.
Establishing a new public body focused on climate delivery is one recommendation, which the report said would ensure genuine cross-party working to agree on long-term commitments.
Strengthening resources for the Climate Change Committee would create the capacity to provide deeper analysis of specific sectors, according to the report.
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Other recommendations from the BCC included a robust Green Industrial Strategy from government, a permanent cross-sector approach to green jobs from policymakers, and quicker government action on financing the transition to net-zero through the tax system.
If the country is to maintain its progress on climate change, the report calls for a link between the UK and EU emissions trading schemes, implementation of energy grid upgrades, and the establishment of deeper business and Government partnerships.
The report concludes “we are now entering a crunch phase for delivery on net zero” and recognises that “many of the necessary policy measures involve changes to supply chains to customer and business behaviours, and in some cases additional cost burdens at least in the short term”.
The British Chambers of Commerce president Martha Lane Fox said: “One of the most pressing challenges for all business is the transition to a green and sustainable future. We will have no habitable planet if we don’t encourage rapid and effective actions.”
“Our report outlines clear and realistic recommendations to accelerate the UK’s transition to net-zero. A robust strategy focused on delivery across the economy must be underpinned by clear and consistent messaging from government.”
The Green Innovation report is unveiled at an event hosted by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, taking place today (Wednesday 31 January) at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland.
