Queen’s Speech: Underplay Of Sustainability Issues “Disappointing”
CIWM
| Chartered Institution of Wastes Management
The Institute of Environmental Management Assessment (IEMA) has said that Government has far to go in developing its thinking to maximise opportunities to create the right environment for the UK to fully transition to a sustainable economy, following a disappointing opening of Parliament today.
IEMA’s Policy Practice Lead Josh Fothergill said IEMA Members were disappointed by the lack of prominence that environment and sustainability issues had throughout the election campaign.
“It is frustrating that this has continued with today’s opening of Parliament,” he said.
“Energy security and ‘tackling climate change’ were the most prominent of the minimal references made in this direction. With the UK’s economic recovery and future prosperity absolutely dependent on the health and wealth of the environment I think today’s underplay of these issues is disappointing.”
“A Government truly committed to creating long-term economic security and prosperity would also recognise the clear need to play a leadership role in stimulating a sustainable economy; that means domestically and addressing global challenges on the international stage.
“On climate change – the Paris Conference of Parties is a key opportunity to do just that – but, actions at the EU level, to develop an effective circular economy package, and at home, to address key air quality issues, must also be a primary focus.”
“Today’s Queen’s speech suggests this Government has far to go in developing its thinking to maximise opportunities to create the right environment for the UK to fully transition to a sustainable economy.”
Aldersgate Group yesterday (26 May) urged government to build on promising growth of UK’s low carbon economy in the Queen’s Speech.
The Queen’s Speech is an ideal opportunity for the new government to affirm the increasing importance of the low carbon economy in the UK and make a clear commitment to support its continued growth, the Group said.
Nick Molho, Executive Director of the Aldersgate Group said: “From low emissions vehicles and waste processing to energy efficiency and low carbon electricity, the UK’s low carbon sector has grown rapidly in recent years but its future growth requires clear signals from the government that it is committed to continuing the UK’s transition towards a resource efficient and low carbon economy.”
“Important decisions will need to be made in the coming year on the future of the UK’s energy efficiency policies, the finance available in the levy control framework to support the continued deployment of clean energy technologies and how the UK intends to put the Natural Capital Committee’s recommendations into practice.
“A clear signal in the Queen’s Speech highlighting the government’s intention to make rapid and supportive decisions in these areas would be positively received by developers and the supply chain alike and have positive knock-on effects on the economy.”
