IEMA reacts to Climate Change Committee Report

IEMA responds to the Climate Change Committee's (CCC) independent assessment of UK climate risk (CCRA3). This report considers a catalogue of risks andopportunities affecting every aspect of life in the UK and warns that the UK is struggling to keep pace with climate change impacts.

IEMA’s Director of Policy and External Affairs Martin Baxter said: ‘The impacts of climate change are happening now in that context it is disappointing to see the Climate Change Committee’s announcement today stating that the Government is currently falling short in enhancing the nation’s climate resilience to the growing threat. In the midst of the climate emergency failure to act now will leave the UK underprepared for the challenges ahead.’

‘If the response to the impact of the COVID pandemic has taught us one thing it is that Government needs to act quickly and follow the best advice – the threat the climate emergency brings to our lives and the future of our environment requires our leaders to take action today’.

‘The CCC has provided a comprehensive analysis of the many risks and limited opportunities that lie ahead – adapting to the impact of a changing climate while taking action to deliver net zero will require a focus on the development of skills and expertise across business industry and civil society. This in an area that is pivotal to mobilizing a timely response to the climate emergency and the reason why IEMA is calling on the Government to develop a Green Jobs and Skills Strategy’.

IEMA Policy lead Nick Blyth contributed to the report and commented; 'Extreme weather climate action failure and human-led environmental damage are among the highest likelihood global risks over the next ten years. Today’s report and the accompanying publications amply demonstrate this for the UK. As the UK builds back better there is now an imperative for a ‘joined-up’ approach on climate policy across all Government departments.'

'The recent proposal by BEIS for mandatory climate related financial disclosures is useful in this context. Within IEMA’s response to this we stated how the information and resources within CCRA3 could potentially inform new guidance helping companies respond effectively and consistently to better address these new disclosure requirements.'

'Today’s CCC report and publications include some excellent advice for Government and highlights a range of opportunities for Government action and policy integration.'

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