Greening the post-Covid recovery
Environmental Audit Committee
Closed
Inquiry
In May the Committee held a session on the environmental implications of the Covid-19 crisis. Witnesses stressed how critical it would be to align the post-crisis recovery stimulus with the UK’s goals on climate change, biodiversity and sustainable development – given the short window of opportunity remaining to keep global …
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18
Recommendations
20
Conclusions
1
Report
3
Oral sessions
4
Letters
4
Events
Activity timeline 13 events
22 Jun
2021
2021
17 Feb
2021
2021
17 Feb
2021
2021
25 Jan
2021
2021
14 Jan
2021
2021
3 Dec
2020
2020
Oral evidence
3 Dec
2020
2020
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 5, Palace of Westminster
24 Sep
2020
2020
Formal meeting · Virtual meeting
23 Jul
2020
2020
Oral evidence
23 Jul
2020
2020
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Virtual meeting
9 Jul
2020
2020
21 May
2020
2020
Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions 3 sessions
3 Dec 2020
View on parliament.uk
Panel 1; Panel 2
Andrew Forth · Royal Institute of British Architects
Dr Steve Melia · University of the West of England
Konstanze Scharring · Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)
Martha McPherson · Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (IIPP), University College London (UCL)
Professor Jim Hall · National Infrastructure Commission
Sarah Gordon · Impact Investing Institute
Stephen Fitzpatrick · OVO Energy
23 Jul 2020
View on parliament.uk
Oral evidence
Caterina Brandmayr · Green Alliance
Dimitri Zenghelis · Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment
Melanie Leech · British Property Federation
Richard Benwell · Wildlife and Countryside Link
Sue Ferns · Prospect Trade Union
Tom Thackray · CBI
21 May 2020
View on parliament.uk
Environmental Audit Committee
Christiana Figueres · United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Professor Cameron Hepburn · University of Oxford
Professor Frank Kelly · Imperial College London
Professor Kate Jones · University College London
Professor Tim Lang · City University London's Centre for Food Policy
Steve Waygood · Aviva Investors
Reports 1 report · click to expand
| Title | HC No. | Published | Items | Response |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Third Report - Growing back better: putting nature and net zero … | HC 347 | 17 Feb 2021 | 38 | Responded |
Recommendations & Conclusions
38 results
1
Conclusion
Third Report - Growing back better…
The consequences of another widespread outbreak of a zoonotic disease of similar lethality would be...
The consequences of another widespread outbreak of a zoonotic disease of similar lethality would be catastrophic. Covid-19 must therefore be treated as a wake-up call. The factors which appear to be increasing the incidence of such diseases must be thoroughly …
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Government Response
The Government is firmly committed to preventing, monitoring and tackling future disease threats. In his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2020, the Prime Minister affirmed this …
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2
Conclusion
Third Report - Growing back better…
The potential consequences of biodiversity loss for human populations have for too long been overlooked.
The potential consequences of biodiversity loss for human populations have for too long been overlooked. It is vital that nature recovery is also prioritised in our economic recovery efforts alongside action on climate change. If measures to promote economic recovery …
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Government Response
The Government set out in its recent Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy that tackling climate change and biodiversity loss will be the UK’s international priority through …
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3
Conclusion
Third Report - Growing back better…
Policymakers owe it to everyone who has suffered during the pandemic to ‘grow back better’...
Policymakers owe it to everyone who has suffered during the pandemic to ‘grow back better’ from the crisis by creating a greener, healthier and more resilient UK. Fairness and the levelling up agenda must be central in efforts to secure …
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Government Response
The Government is committed to levelling up opportunities across the UK - people shouldn’t have to leave their local area to get on in life, or to further their career. …
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4
Conclusion
Third Report - Growing back better…
The speed at which we have developed the vaccine under pressure shows how rapidly scientific...
The speed at which we have developed the vaccine under pressure shows how rapidly scientific progress can be made when efforts are concentrated and urgent. We now need to apply that same level of urgency to developing and deploying the …
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Government Response
Throughout the pandemic, the Government has sought to protect people’s jobs and livelihoods while also supporting businesses and public services across the UK. The Chancellor announced further support at Budget …
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5
Recommendation
Third Report - Growing back better…
Levels of unemployment not seen in decades are now in prospect, on a scale which...
Levels of unemployment not seen in decades are now in prospect, on a scale which inevitably demands Government intervention. In its approach to the recovery, the Government should, as far as possible, front-load its investment in areas such energy efficiency, …
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6
Recommendation
Third Report - Growing back better…
We further recommend that the Government establish clear and ambitious statutory targets for the state...
We further recommend that the Government establish clear and ambitious statutory targets for the state of nature, waste minimisation, water quality and air quality under the Environment Bill once enacted. (Paragraph 50) 72 Growing back better: putting nature and net …
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7
Conclusion
Third Report - Growing back better…
We congratulate the Bank of England on its laudable work highlighting the financial risks from...
We congratulate the Bank of England on its laudable work highlighting the financial risks from climate change in recent years. The Bank of England has led the world in this regard, not least by becoming the first central bank to …
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Government Response
7. We congratulate the Bank of England on its laudable work highlighting the financial risks from climate change in recent years. The Bank of England has led the world in …
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8
Recommendation
Third Report - Growing back better…
The Government should clarify that the Bank’s monetary policy remit should include climate and nature...
The Government should clarify that the Bank’s monetary policy remit should include climate and nature objectives in the conduct of UK monetary policy, including when considering any extension of the Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF) or future such mechanisms. We …
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9
Conclusion
Third Report - Growing back better…
We also repeat our recommendation that the Bank writes to each CCFF loan recipient to...
We also repeat our recommendation that the Bank writes to each CCFF loan recipient to alert them that the Government’s Green Finance Strategy expects all listed companies and large asset owners to publish climate-related disclosures not later than
Government Response
The majority of the largest PRA-regulated firms are likely to be subject to proposed disclosure requirements introduced by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Department for Business, Energy and Industrial …
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10
Conclusion
Third Report - Growing back better…
It is a matter of grave concern that the carbon intensity of the UK corporate...
It is a matter of grave concern that the carbon intensity of the UK corporate sector remains aligned with global temperature rises that would be catastrophic. We welcome the news that the Bank of England is exploring how it can …
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Government Response
It is for the MPC to decide how it can support the Government’s environmental and other economic objectives while achieving its primary objective of maintaining price stability. Following the update …
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11
Recommendation
Third Report - Growing back better…
We further recommend that the Government updates its Green Finance Strategy to add an explicit...
We further recommend that the Government updates its Green Finance Strategy to add an explicit objective to reduce the carbon intensity—and therefore the climate risk exposure—of the UK corporate sector and financial markets, such as the London Stock Exchange. The …
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12
Conclusion
Third Report - Growing back better…
We welcome the publication of the Ten Point Plan, the National Infrastructure Strategy, and the...
We welcome the publication of the Ten Point Plan, the National Infrastructure Strategy, and the changes to the Green Book criteria for public infrastructure projects. We now call for greater urgency in publishing detailed strategies and policies to allow private …
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Government Response
Emissions from cars and vans were responsible for 71% of UK greenhouse gas emissions from transport in 2019 and make up almost of fifth (19%) of the UK’s domestic total, …
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13
Conclusion
Third Report - Growing back better…
Infrastructure invested in now will be in use for decades to come.
Infrastructure invested in now will be in use for decades to come. It is essential that all decisions on infrastructure investment are considered against the net zero target, likely impacts on biodiversity and future projections of the changes in climate …
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Government Response
Emissions from cars and vans were responsible for 71% of UK greenhouse gas emissions from transport in 2019 and make up almost of fifth (19%) of the UK’s domestic total, …
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14
Conclusion
Third Report - Growing back better…
The Government’s current approach to transport decarbonisation relies heavily on a consumer switch to the...
The Government’s current approach to transport decarbonisation relies heavily on a consumer switch to the purchase of electric passenger cars and vans as a consequence of banning the sale of certain petrol- and diesel-fuelled vehicles by 2030. Such heavy reliance …
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Government Response
Emissions from cars and vans were responsible for 71% of UK greenhouse gas emissions from transport in 2019 and make up almost of fifth (19%) of the UK’s domestic total, …
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15
Recommendation
Third Report - Growing back better…
We recommend that the Government set out, in its forthcoming transport decarbonisation strategy, what plans...
We recommend that the Government set out, in its forthcoming transport decarbonisation strategy, what plans it has for substantial long-term investment in better public transport and in traffic reduction measures, and how such investment will reduce levels of road congestion, …
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16
Conclusion
Third Report - Growing back better…
Each project within the Government’s Road Investment Strategy will no doubt be analysed for its...
Each project within the Government’s Road Investment Strategy will no doubt be analysed for its costs and benefits in accordance with Government guidance in the ‘Green Book’, as revised in November 2020. To ensure a green recovery, it is vital …
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Government Response
Emissions from cars and vans were responsible for 71% of UK greenhouse gas emissions from transport in 2019 and make up almost of fifth (19%) of the UK’s domestic total, …
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17
Recommendation
Third Report - Growing back better…
In supporting the development of strategic nationwide communications networks between urban centres, the Government must...
In supporting the development of strategic nationwide communications networks between urban centres, the Government must not overlook the importance to rural communities of hyper-local transport networks. Private car usage on well- maintained rural roads will of necessity continue to form …
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18
Conclusion
Third Report - Growing back better…
Changes in ways of working during the pandemic have led to far greater levels of...
Changes in ways of working during the pandemic have led to far greater levels of working from home, in urban and rural areas. This has doubtless reduced commuter car usage in rural areas in particular. Home working can therefore contribute …
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Government Response
Emissions from cars and vans were responsible for 71% of UK greenhouse gas emissions from transport in 2019 and make up almost of fifth (19%) of the UK’s domestic total, …
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19
Conclusion
Third Report - Growing back better…
There is emerging evidence that areas of the world with higher concentrations of air pollution...
There is emerging evidence that areas of the world with higher concentrations of air pollution may be experiencing higher covid-19 mortality rates. The development of active travel infrastructure, designed to reduce traffic and promote walking and cycling in towns and …
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Government Response
Emissions from cars and vans were responsible for 71% of UK greenhouse gas emissions from transport in 2019 and make up almost of fifth (19%) of the UK’s domestic total, …
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20
Recommendation
Third Report - Growing back better…
Significant Government investment in the development of carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) technology sends...
Significant Government investment in the development of carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS) technology sends an important signal in the run up to COP26 74 Growing back better: putting nature and net zero at the heart of the economic recovery …
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21
Recommendation
Third Report - Growing back better…
The Government must publish a hydrogen strategy as soon as possible, setting out clear mechanisms...
The Government must publish a hydrogen strategy as soon as possible, setting out clear mechanisms to support the development of green hydrogen systems in the UK.
22
Conclusion
Third Report - Growing back better…
The switch to electric vehicles—a key component of the Government’s plan for achieving net zero—will...
The switch to electric vehicles—a key component of the Government’s plan for achieving net zero—will require the introduction of cutting-edge manufacturing processes to the UK’s automotive sector for the manufacture of electric vehicles and their batteries. It is estimated that …
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Government Response
To support the UK’s EV manufacturing industry, the Government has committed £500 million over the next four years for the development and mass-scale production of electric vehicle batteries and associated …
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23
Recommendation
Third Report - Growing back better…
The Government must ensure that its ‘build, build, build’ agenda has, at its heart, a...
The Government must ensure that its ‘build, build, build’ agenda has, at its heart, a commitment to delivering truly sustainable development by promoting the construction of low-carbon homes fit for a changing climate. We recommend that the Government introduce embodied …
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24
Conclusion
Third Report - Growing back better…
The manufacture of construction materials is a sector with the potential to make a significant...
The manufacture of construction materials is a sector with the potential to make a significant contribution to the path to net zero. We plan to examine this sector in greater detail in a forthcoming inquiry into the sustainability of the …
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25
Recommendation
Third Report - Growing back better…
We welcome the intention behind the Government’s Green Homes Grant It is disappointing that the...
We welcome the intention behind the Government’s Green Homes Grant It is disappointing that the administration of the scheme appears to be putting green jobs at risk, rather than creating them. Delivery has been poor for consumers and has led …
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26
Recommendation
Third Report - Growing back better…
The Government has promised £2.9 billion for support for public sector decarbonisation projects over the...
The Government has promised £2.9 billion for support for public sector decarbonisation projects over the five years to 2025. We consider that there is an urgent need for the front-loading of programme expenditure, and we recommend that as part of …
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27
Conclusion
Third Report - Growing back better…
Investment in nature recovery projects could deliver a range of economic, environmental and social benefits.
Investment in nature recovery projects could deliver a range of economic, environmental and social benefits. As well as protecting UK wildlife, well designed schemes could create thousands of job opportunities, while improving flood resilience and locking more carbon in trees …
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Government Response
This Government is committed to ensuring this is the first generation to leave the natural environment in a better state than it found it, with the Government’s long-term agenda laid …
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28
Conclusion
Third Report - Growing back better…
The lockdowns which have been imposed to counter the spread of covid-19 have given the...
The lockdowns which have been imposed to counter the spread of covid-19 have given the public compelling reasons to appreciate the value of neighbourhood green spaces in towns and cities. Projects designed to enhance urban biodiversity and to increase access …
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Government Response
Green spaces play an important role in urban areas. The Urban Tree Challenge Fund provides support for tree planting in urban and peri-urban areas across England, with a focus on …
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29
Recommendation
Third Report - Growing back better…
We recommend that the Government, in developing further its strategy for economic recovery, give greater...
We recommend that the Government, in developing further its strategy for economic recovery, give greater priority to strategic projects aimed at encouraging nature recovery. The Government should work with conservation charities to pilot the idea of a National Nature Service …
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30
Recommendation
Third Report - Growing back better…
We welcome the Government’s announcement of a Sovereign Green Bond and consider that it has...
We welcome the Government’s announcement of a Sovereign Green Bond and consider that it has significant potential to incentivise a green recovery. We recommend that the Government undertake a full evaluation of the potential economic and social benefits of its …
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31
Recommendation
Third Report - Growing back better…
We further recommend that, in his forthcoming Budget Report, The Chancellor set out in detail...
We further recommend that, in his forthcoming Budget Report, The Chancellor set out in detail a plan to ensure that revenue from the Sovereign Green Bond is invested only in projects which deliver demonstrable, significant and measurable environmental benefit.
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32
Recommendation
Third Report - Growing back better…
We welcome the creation of a National Infrastructure Bank: we trust that the Government has...
We welcome the creation of a National Infrastructure Bank: we trust that the Government has learned from the experience of selling off the previous Green Investment Bank. We recommend that the Government give an unequivocal guarantee, supported in statute if …
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33
Conclusion
Third Report - Growing back better…
The UK will host COP26 in November 2020.
The UK will host COP26 in November 2020. All eyes will be on the UK as an environmental world leader. The Chancellor’s Spring Budget must back this ambition, and ensure that the UK’s spending plans align with its net zero …
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Government Response
Alongside the Autumn 2020 Spending Review, the Prime Minister announced his Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, designed to mobilise up to £12 billion of Government investment to …
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34
Conclusion
Third Report - Growing back better…
As the UK recovers from the immediate crisis, a shift towards green taxation could help...
As the UK recovers from the immediate crisis, a shift towards green taxation could help direct investment into job-rich low carbon activity, shift behaviour and increase resource and energy efficiency.
Government Response
The Government recognises that it will need to act to maintain public finance sustainability as the UK transitions toward net zero, to ensure that Government can continue to fund other …
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35
Recommendation
Third Report - Growing back better…
The Government now has the latitude to propose the variation, or the abolition, of value...
The Government now has the latitude to propose the variation, or the abolition, of value added tax on certain categories of goods. We recommend that the Chancellor of the Exchequer bring forward proposals to reduce the rate of VAT on …
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36
Conclusion
Third Report - Growing back better…
To support the accelerated uptake of ultra-low emission cars in the UK, further tax incentives...
To support the accelerated uptake of ultra-low emission cars in the UK, further tax incentives should be introduced to make these vehicles more affordable. Where current environmental taxes, such as Air Passenger Duty, are blunt in their effect, the Chancellor …
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Government Response
Transport is the largest emitting sector, responsible for 27% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the UK, and road transport accounts for the majority of these emissions. The Government therefore …
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37
Recommendation
Third Report - Growing back better…
One of the most economically efficient ways to incentivise low-carbon choices would be through the...
One of the most economically efficient ways to incentivise low-carbon choices would be through the introduction of an economy-wide carbon tax. The Government should begin scoping work on a carbon tax to incentivise low-carbon changes across the whole economy.
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38
Recommendation
Third Report - Growing back better…
We recommend that the Government investigate the merits of carbon border adjustments, to accompany work...
We recommend that the Government investigate the merits of carbon border adjustments, to accompany work on a carbon tax, as one way of addressing carbon leakage. We recognise this would also require measures to ensure that such policies do not …
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Correspondence 4 letters
17 Feb 2021
To committee
Letter from the Bank of England to the Chair on addressing the financial risks of climate change, dated 8 February 2021
Parliament page
25 Jan 2021
Chair to the Governor of the Bank of England, concerning the post-Covid recovery, dated 22 January 2021
Parliament page
14 Jan 2021
Chief Nursing Officer for England to Chair regarding single-use plastics and PPE, dated 18 September 2020
Parliament page
9 Jul 2020
To committee
Letter from UK Health Alliance regarding Principles for a Healthy Recovery
Parliament page