IEMA urges Government to support a “stronger, more prosperous, and more sustainable future” by embracing a zero carbon economy

IEMA has teamed up with leading businesses and investors to call on the Prime Minister today, urging the UK government to raise ambition to tackle climate change and show leadership towards a stronger, more prosperous and sustainable economy.

The letter is signed by groups that collectively represent 1000s of companies with 100s of billions in revenue, along with 100s of investors managing assets worth over £19 trillion. IEMA joins other prominent signatories, including: The Prince of Wales’s Corporate Leaders Group, UK Green Building Council, techUK, Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change, RenewableUK, and the Environmental Industries Commission.

Focusing on recent findings from the Committee on Climate Change, the letter calls on the government to demonstrate leadership on climate change in order to drive jobs, sustainable growth, and investment, and remain competitive with other major economies.

To achieve this, the government needs to set clear policies through flagship proposals like the Industrial Strategy and the Clean Growth Plan to meet its commitment under the Paris Climate Agreement, working constructively with the EU to deliver global emission reductions and taking international leadership as it negotiates new low carbon trade deals around the world.

Tim Balcon, IEMA’s CEO, said: “Enhancing environmental and sustainability skills is an essential investment to secure the full social and economic benefits from transitioning to low carbon and climate resilient economies. IEMA is fully committed to developing skills, collaborating across key sectors, and supporting the delivery and ambition of the Paris Agreement.”

Read the letter here, and join the conversation on Twitter @iemanet