The UK stands at threshold of a greener future for all - Beckie Hart

Covid-19 has placed enormous, unforeseen pressures upon us all, forcing a comprehensive rethink of our day-to-day lives, operations and future ambitions.

However, we can draw immense pride from the agility and creativity shown by our business community. Many companies have manoeuvred magnificently into new procedures, markets and modes of operation, effectively insulating themselves in the short term and giving themselves a strong platform from which to bounce back.

Whilst we know that the pandemic is far from over, and managing public health rightly remains the priority, it is entirely proper that thoughts also turn towards what comes next. Building back better is a phrase we have all heard, but there has arguably never been a better opportunity to make this ambition a reality instead of a platitude.

The levelling-up agenda has long been championed by the CBI, and we believe that the UK stands at the threshold of a fairer, greener, and – ultimately – stronger future for all. We just need to be smart and courageous enough to take that step.

Some of you may have joined the CBI’s hugely successful Net-Zero Conference this week, and heard from experts in energy, transport, industry and government who supported the launch of our Green Recovery roadmap to a greener future. Its goal is simple: to ensure the pandemic leads to a redoubling of efforts towards a net-zero future, and not a step back from it.

The commitment is there. Throughout the pandemic, the public’s focus on tackling climate change has stayed surprisingly strong and every day I talk to business leaders across our region who are passionate about climate action because they know that our region in particular can lead on being part of the solution not be seen as part of the problem.

So, although the rebound from Covid-19 and meaningful action on climate change can feel like fiercely competing goals, the truth is that our response can have a big impact on both.

Investment in green tech and infrastructure would be a significant step towards both, helping to underwrite our recovery, and creating jobs and industries for the future.

Data from the WWF shows a net-zero transition could generate at least 210,000 jobs in 2030 – growing to 351,000 in 2050 – in green buildings, electric vehicles, power, and other sectors. With significant job losses predicted in the coming months, this new focus could help to ease the scarring effects of the pandemic on our economy.

The UK is well placed to do this. We were the first major economy to establish a legally binding net-zero target and have gone from total dependency on coal-powered electricity just eight years ago to using none for weeks at a time. We are also in pole position to lead the world in green tech like hydrogen and carbon capture and storage: put simply, we have the science, the ambition and the expertise.

It becomes a question of ambition and co-operation. At a time when businesses are fighting for survival and government debt is rising like never before, it will be vital that public and private sectors work together to take the UK forward.

As COP26 chair and holder of the G7 presidency next year, the UK has a unique opportunity to prove itself a global climate leader.

Businesses have proven themselves agile and adaptable in recent months – with the right support from the Government, they are ready to help fast-track the UK’s green revolution so ultimately the can pass on a better world to the next generation.

By Beckie Hart - Regional director, Yorkshire and the Humber, CBI

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