Committee on Climate Change progress report | ONE

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

In its annual report to the UK Parliament, the Committee provides comprehensive new advice to the UK 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, but much remains to be done. For the first time the Committee sets out its recommendations government department by government department. These are the urgent steps that must be taken in the months ahead to initiate a green, resilient COVID-19 recovery. They 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.

“ONE welcomes the recommendations outlined in this week’s report from the Committee on Climate Change, particularly around the need for a net zero workforce. It is imperative that workers in the North East of Scotland are front and centre of our energy transition journey and are given the support to maximise the opportunities on our doorstep,” said a ONE spokesperson.

“It is also encouraging to see the CCC advise government that we need to pick up the pace in many enabling technologies – offshore wind, carbon capture and storage, and hydrogen – within the next 12 months. This region is already making significant advances in these areas but policy intervention from government is required to fast-track progress.

“The action recommended by the CCC aligns with the North East of Scotland’s wider energy transition plans, and we are confident the region can become a global centre of expertise thanks to the significant depth of experience already present.

“Many elements addressed in the report, including R&D, technology, innovation and skills development, sit firmly as part of our energy transition vision for the North East of Scotland. We hope to see further backing from industry and government for transformational net zero programmes which will benefit the region.”

You can read the full CCC news release and report here.