Josh Fothergill, policy and practice lead at IEMA, considers the priorities for the next government and what members can expect from IEMA in the run-up to the election.
The next government will be responsible for providing the UK with its strategic direction until 2020. During its fixed five-year term, it will need to decide the next steps for three key instruments to support the UK's transition to a low-carbon economy.
They are: the Green Investment Bank, the Natural Capital Committee (p.6) and the fifth carbon budget. Internationally it will need to contribute to progressing the UN sustainable development goals (due this September) and finalising the 2030 EU climate and energy package. Alongside this, fundamental issues remain, including: dealing with the deficit, addressing the housing shortage and deciding the UK's future in the EU.
At the same time, the economic recovery must be maintained, the environment improved and inequalities addressed. In all these areas it is clear that sustainability and environmental issues play a key part in the debate.
Whichever way you look at it, the 2015 election is important for the profession. As such, IEMA is providing members with the information and tools needed to stay up to date with all the issues discussed and commitments made by the parties. From mid-February we will begin to ramp up our election coverage. So what should you expect?
- A postcard of key sustainability issues - to allow you to engage candidates on sustainability matters, to be included in the March issue of the environmentalist.
- An online hub - collating environment and sustainability issues relevant to the campaign, including a Twitter feed.
- Focused surveys - exploring member views on key issues, providing the media with election, relevant views from the profession.
Look out for updates: on IEMA's website, in member emails, such as the IEMA newsroom, and in the March and April issues of the environmentalist.