A total of 14 professional bodies have called on whoever takes over as the new prime minister to deliver on net zero.
Conservative leadership hopefuls Rishi Sunak, Liz Truss and Penny Mordaunt are currently locked in a three-way battle to secure the role of prime minister, following Boris Johnson’s resignation.
Tory MPs will vote to choose two candidates to put forward to election by Conservative party members, with a result expected in early September.
Joint letter
The 14 members of the Professional Bodies Action Charter have signed a joint letter calling for the new prime minister to maintain the UK’s commitment to delivering its net-zero and adaptation targets by 2050.
The Professional Bodies Climate Action Charter represents 13 million professional members globally across a wide range of sectors, from science and engineering, law, health, construction and the built environment, and finance and insurance.
The bodies argued that amid the cost of living and energy crisis, a managed transition to net zero is the best way to shield UK citizens from future price shocks. It said a move to net zero would create homes that are warm and cheap to heat, and unlock private investment at scale. But it warned government commitment is essential for successful delivery.
‘Wholehearted support’
Eddie Tuttle, director of policy, external affairs and research at CIOB, said: “We wholeheartedly support these calls for meaningful action on climate change and net zero, which must be a priority for the next prime minister. The built environment sector has a significant role in supporting the UK’s net zero ambitions, but it will require strong leadership, clear policy direction and focus at governmental level.”
Sarah Mukherjee, CEO of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, said: “We are in a climate emergency, with the frequency of extreme heat and droughts across Europe likely to continue to increase without intervention. We must have a prime minister in place who is committed to delivering on the UK’s Net Zero Strategy whilst ensuring that we have a cleaner economy, underpinned by green skills and jobs, to enable the transition to a more sustainable future.”
Heather McKay, UK sustainable finance policy adviser at climate think tank E3G, said: “Delivering the net-zero transition is key for the UK’s economic future. Professionals across the country want more good jobs, warmer homes, and lower bills. This will not happen without a strong commitment to tackle climate change from the new prime minister.”
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I find it hard that developers are still building new build houses with New gas central heating boilers in them . While also providing token gestures towards green credentials. When they could easily include rain water harvesting to flush toilets and offer water for gardens etc . We are currently struggling with shortages of skilled trades and the problem will only get worse as less youths feel the CI is a desirable industry to work in . If only they could see the positive sides such as the great financial rewards that can be achieved and the opportunities to open their own companies once they find one of the many innovative gaps in our market .