Monday 9 May 2022

‘Government must make climate goals central to economic policy’

‘Government must make climate goals central to economic policy’

The UK government needs to produce an economic plan to transition to net zero, focussing on climate and nature-based goals.

That’s the view of the WWF and Aviva, which are urging policymakers to do more than simply ask businesses to draw up net zero pathways.

Although companies are key to cutting down emissions, the organisations claim that an economic approach will be paramount – that aligns public spending and policy with net zero.

They are calling for net zero planning to be at the forefront of governmental policy, not just for the UK’s businesses.

To ensure these are met productively, they stress that departmental climate plans will be necessary, so that no stone is left unturned.

The private sector must have consistent targets in place, with WWF and Aviva calling for the Treasury to make sure green economic planning is embedded within the way these companies function.

Nature restoration and nature-based solutions must also be integrated into regulations and policy, they say.

WWF CEO Tanya Steele said: “The world still has time to avoid the worst impacts of a climate catastrophe but only if all of us, especially governments and businesses, take immediate action.”

Her thoughts were echoed by Aviva’s CEO Amanda Blanc: “A whole of economy approach to transition is needed, with Government setting the direction. Our joint report with WWF sets out some concrete steps for how to achieve this.”

BEIS has been contacted for a response.

Written by

Bruna Pinhoni

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