Yorkshire has opportunity to lead the net zero transition: Alan Bastey
Ahead of the Yorkshire Post Climate Change Summit, my colleague Mark Wilson wrote that sustainability is about Yorkshire’s future, not just its emissions.
It’s a sentiment that perfectly captured the conversations at this year’s event, which brought together policymakers, academics and business leaders to explore how Yorkshire can balance decarbonisation with economic growth.
Opening the summit, James Mitchinson, editor of The Yorkshire Post, spoke about the importance of shining a light on climate-related issues, and the importance of doing the right thing, even when others choose not to.
Expertly hosted by Adam Lovell, the event provided a platform for open and honest discussion on the opportunities and challenges facing the region as it works towards net zero.
That focus on long-term thinking was reinforced by Councillor Jenny Hunt of the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Reflecting on how climate-related challenges have evolved over time, she highlighted the importance of the decisions being made today and highlighted some of the transformational projects already being delivered across the region.
I was pleased to join a panel discussion on ‘Decarbonising Industry and Encouraging New Growth’ alongside Dr Imogen Rattle, Senior Research Fellow in Low Carbon Industrial Strategy at the University of Leeds, and Paul Pearcy, Energy and Industry Director at British Glass.
While our organisations represent different sectors, there was clear agreement on one key issue: achieving net zero requires meaningful and practical long-term policy that gives businesses the confidence to invest.
Ambitious targets are important, but industry also needs the right support, delivered in the right way, and at the right time to enable sustainable change. Businesses cannot commit to major infrastructure, technology and workforce investments if we receive inconsistent policy directions.
Another recurring theme was the need for coordinated action across all industries.
Progress is being made in many sectors, but the transition will only succeed if every part of the economy can move forward together.
Government intervention will play a critical role in ensuring the costs and opportunities of decarbonisation are shared fairly and effectively.
The discussions throughout the summit highlighted that Yorkshire is well placed to lead the net zero transition.
The region has the expertise, innovation and ambition required.
What businesses are now looking for is practical policies and continued collaboration.
If those foundations can be maintained, Yorkshire will not only reduce emissions, but create jobs, attract investment and build a stronger economy for the future. Because, as discussed throughout the summit, sustainability is ultimately about much more than carbon reduction.
It is about securing Yorkshire’s long-term prosperity.
Alan Bastey is Head of Consultancy and Sustainability at Zenith