CCC writes to Boris Johnson - 6 May
Climate Change Policy should help recovery from Coronavirus
As the Government considers its approach to rebuilding after the COVID-19, the Committee on Climate Change advises on how climate policy should play a part in the recovery: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change should be integral to the UK's overall approach.
These remain scientific, economic and social imperatives and will only be delivered if ambitious steps are taken during this Parliament.
There are clear economic, social, and environmental benefits from immediate expansion of the following measures:
- Investments in low-carbon and climate-resilient infrastructure
- Supporting reskilling, retraining and research for a net-zero, well-adapted economy
- Upgrades to our homes ensuring they are fit for the future
- Making it easy for people to walk, cycle, and work remotely
- Tree planting, peatland restoration, green spaces and other green infrastructure
The Committee on Climate Change has written a powerful letter to the Prime Minister on 6 May to encourage the Government to use climate change policy to help the nation recover from the coronavirus emergency.
Please read the three page letter in full.
For those short on time, we highlight some key paragraphs of recommendations of the CCC for priority actions and principles for a resilient recovery:
- Use climate investments to support the economic recovery and jobs
- Lead a shift towards positive long-term behaviour
- Tackle the wider 'resilience deficit' on climate change
- Embed fairness as a core principle
- Ensure the recovery does not 'lock-in' greenhouse gas emissions or increased climate risk
- Strengthen incentives to reduce emissions using fiscal changes