COVID-19 could be a turning point in tackling the global climate crisis

The UK government must seize the opportunity to turn the COVID-19 crisis into a defining moment in the fight against climate change, says the Committee on Climate Change (CCC).

In its annual report to Parliament, published in late June, the CCC 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, it says, but much remains to be done.

For the first time, the CCC sets out its recommendations government department by government department. These urgent steps that must be taken in the months ahead to initiate a green, resilient COVID-19 recovery can be delivered through strong coordination across Whitehall. ‘Doing so will propel the UK towards more rapid climate progress and position the country as an international climate leader ahead of the pivotal COP26 climate summit in Glasgow next year,’ says the CCC.

The report highlights five investment priorities in the months ahead:

• Low-carbon retrofits and buildings that are fit for the future.
• Tree planting, peatland restoration and green infrastructure.
• Energy networks must be strengthened for the net zero energy transformation in order to support electrification of transport and heating.
• Infrastructure to make it easy for people to walk, cycle and work remotely.
• Moving towards a circular economy.

There are also opportunities to support the transition and the recovery by investing in the UK’s workforce, and in lower-carbon behaviours and innovation, through:

• Reskilling and retraining programmes.
• Leading a move towards positive behaviours.
• Targeted science and innovation funding.