As the UK prepares to continue easing lockdown measures across the country, an increased focus has been placed on economic recovery, and how businesses within the UK can return to operating as usual despite the disruptions.
Business leaders are now calling on Boris Johnson to ensure that any plan for economic recovery aligns with the countries climate goals – something we discussed in a recent article.
Almost 200 chief execs from companies, including the likes of HSBC, Aviva, Lloyds, BP, and National Grid are calling for a clean, just recovery. The statement signed by these industry leaders, states that shifts in how we operate have already started, and that we must now use the recovery to accelerate the transition to the ‘net zero’ goal set out for 2050.
This sentiment also calls on those who have signed an open letter to the G20 to do the same – the signatories include health professionals representing over 90 different countries.
In a recent survey conducted, this sentiment is also shared by the general public, as the majority agree they are now more receptive to the idea of preventing climate change, with the same also being true across the world:
This may be more important over the coming months – countries across Europe have already started to announce the allowing of international travel throughout June, with some of the previously hardest hit countries restricting travel from locations that are still experiencing a high infection rate.
The resumption in aviation activity, combined with calls for the general public to return to work on a large scale whilst avoiding busy public transport, have experts concerned it could lead to higher pollution levels than prior to the crisis.
The letter signed by industry leaders sets out three key measures – the first targeting investment and policy measures such as tax incentives and penalty prices regarding carbon emissions.
The second is to prioritise helping sectors in emerging technologies toward energy efficiency, carbon electricity, and renewable infrastructure.
And the final point set out was to create stimulus packages that help businesses receiving support from the government to align their business strategy with the government’s climate goals.
Now may be the perfect time to encourage change, with the hope that the coronavirus pandemic doesn’t cause delays of reaching the net zero goal over the next three decades. Utility Trade Group have helped many businesses with the provision of their renewable energy sources, in order to assist the shift towards net-zero. Get in touch today if we can help you too.
