Ministers must seize the opportunity to turn the COVID-19 crisis into a “defining moment” in the fight against climate change, the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) says today (25 June). In its annual report to Parliament, the Committee provides comprehensive new advice to the Government on delivering an economic recovery that accelerates the transition to a cleaner, net-zero emissions economy and strengthens the country’s resilience to the impacts of climate change. Important steps have been taken in the last year, but much remains to be done.
For the first time the Committee sets out its recommendations government department by government department. These are the urgent steps that must be taken in the months ahead to initiate a green, resilient COVID-19 recovery.
Five clear investment priorities
- Low-carbon retrofits and buildings that are fit for the future.
- Tree planting, peatland restoration, and green infrastructure. Investing in nature, including in our towns and cities, offers another quick route to opportunities for highly-skilled employment, and outcomes that improve people’s lives.
- Energy networks must be strengthened for the net-zero energy transformation in order to support electrification of transport and heating. Government has the regulatory tools to bring forward private sector investment.
- Infrastructure to make it easy for people to walk, cycle, and work remotely. Dedicated safe spaces for walking and cycling, more bike parking and support for shared bikes and e-scooters can help the nation get back to work in a more sustainable way.
- Moving towards a circular economy. Within the next five years, we can not only increase recycling rates rapidly but stop sending biodegradable wastes to landfill.
Source: Circular Online
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