Climate action ‘central’ to rebuilding economy, say government advisers

Reacting to today’s letter to the Prime Minister from the Committee on Climate Change calling for a “green” package of measures to rebuild the economy, Mike Childs, head of science at Friends of the Earth, said:

“Spring 2020 will be a catalyst for change, but what sort? Will we return to the damaging parts of the old normal, or build back better so that the next normal improves the health of people and planet?

“Improving people’s lives and saving the climate needs to be central to recovery, not rebuilding the profits of damaging industries. The Committee on Climate Change recognise this, embedding fairness and support for transformative government action and leadership into their report.

“Eradicating fuel poverty by investing in better home insulation will save lives and increase resilience to any winter lock-down, while at the same time cutting carbon emissions and creating jobs.

“Reclaiming road space from cars will cut air pollution and free up space for people to cycle and walk safely while we still observe social distancing. Increased green spaces will deliver massive mental health benefits and help restore nature.

“We can do all these things in the recovery phase. The right post-pandemic investment can push a big, positive, reset button on our carbon-guzzling and unsustainable economy and build a clean, healthy and fair world.”