There have been concerns that net zero and other climate change initiatives will fall down the pecking order for the new Prime Minister, Liz Truss. The government have lifted the ban on fracking and have been bullish around their plans on North Sea oil.
Ranil Jayawardena has been named the Secretary of State for the Department of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs. Despite concerns over Jayawardena because of his past voting record, his wider parliamentary career does show promise.
Jayawardena has demonstrated his commitment to the environment during his tenure in the "Hazardous Substances Advisory Committee." A law prohibiting the use of microbeads in products was passed in 2018 during his time here. He also established the APPG on endangered species in his first year as an MP and continues to serve as its president today.
Following the adoption of the Environment Act last year, the Secretary of State will need to ensure the efficient delivery of a new environmental governance structure, including the long-term environmental targets framework and the rollout of the environmental principles policy statement across Whitehall. The targets framework was expected to be agreed by October 31st. It covers targets for air and water quality, biodiversity and resource efficiency.
Jacob Rees-Mogg has been named as the Secretary of State for the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, replacing the new Chancellor of the Exchequer, Kwasi Kwarteng.
Some are concerned about Rees- Mogg’s appointment and believe that the UK's commitment to net zero will be compromised. He has this week commissioned a review, to be led by Chris Skidmore, into the delivery of the 2050 net zero emissions target.
The review will focus on maximising economic growth, enhancing energy security and affordability for consumers and businesses. Skidmore, a former energy minister and chair of the net zero support group will deliver his report before the end of 2022.
The review's findings will be eagerly anticipated, but regardless of what conclusions are reached, it is crucial for the health of our natural environment that we continue to concentrate on a rapid transition to a "greener" economy. This will, in any case, provide confidence for businesses, their investors and consumers around the direction of economic travel for this government.
Subscribe
Subscribe to IEMA's newsletters to receive timely articles, expert opinions, event announcements, and much more, directly in your inbox.
Posted on 29th September 2022
Written by Asim Ali
Latest Posts
-
Launch of new resource for conservation technology tools
- 11th July 2024 -
Natural Capital 101: Guide for Sustainability Professionals
- 9th July 2024 -
Analysing the manifesto pledges of Plaid Cymru, the Scottish National Party, and Reform UK
- 24th June 2024 -
Join the Sustainable Finance Network Steering Group
- 19th June 2024 -
Sustainable Finance Insight Journal Volume 2: Disclosure, Transparency and Reporting in Sustainable Finance
- 19th June 2024 -
Labour sets out plans for Great British Energy at manifesto launch
- 13th June 2024