February 2024
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This conference examined next steps for climate policy in the UK.
It was an opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to discuss climate negotiations and developments following COP28, including implications for the UK’s commitments to phase out fossil fuels and transition to a carbon neutral economy, and plans for adaptation and resilience as outlined in the Government’s Third National Adaptation Programme (NAP3).
Delegates assessed latest thinking on legal frameworks for climate action, priorities for key sectors, the UK’s role in international climate leadership, and strategic plans for sustainable finance and green investment following the UK International Climate Finance Strategy.
Further sessions examined the way forward for net zero ambitions following the Government’s recent changes to milestones for implementation of aspects of policy, and concerns that the UK is not on track to achieve targets. Discussion will also look at skills requirements, and opportunities and challenges for key industries.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Kerry McCarthy MP, Shadow Minister for Climate Change; André Neto-Bradley, Lead Energy Research Advisor, DESNZ; Graeme Maidment, Heating and Cooling Technical Lead, DESNZ; and Professor Rebecca Willis, Energy and Climate Governance, Lancaster University; and Expert Lead, Climate Assembly UK.
Overall, areas for discussion included:
- COP28: key outcomes and takeaways - policy implications and legal commitments for the UK - next steps for delivering a green economy and for net zero targets
- progress: assessing the UK’s position in relation to short and long-term climate goals - viability of current climate strategies to meet Paris Agreement ambitions - decarbonising key industries in the UK
- international cooperation: aligning timeframes with globally agreed standards - standardising reporting and trading of carbon - opportunities for global cooperation
- financing and investment: next steps for funding infrastructure projects - assessing sustainable finance initiatives and strategies to promote green activity - improving public-private partnerships
- monitoring: considering plans for delivering better assessments of climate impact at global, national, sectoral and company-wide levels - promoting transparency and accountability - the role of ESG reporting
- just transition:strategic priorities for a people-centred and inclusive approach - opportunities for job creation and reskilling in phased-out industries - minimising negative externalities of green transition
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from APHA; Cabinet Office; CCC; CCS; DAERA, NI; DBT; Defra; Department for Communities, NI; Department for Infrastructure, NI; Department for the Economy, NI; Department of Finance, NI; DESNZ; DfE; DfT; DHSC; DLUHC; DSIT; EA; FCDO; FSA; GLD; HMRC; HM Treasury; Home Office; Homes England; HSE; Isle of Man Government; MCA; MOD; NAO; NIAO; NIC; OBR; Ofwat; OGP; ONS; ORR; OZEV; UKEF; UKIB; UKSA; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from both Houses of Parliament.
