Policies to green the economy must underpin UK recovery: new report

Floods illustrate the need for urgent action from government to green the economic recovery, in order to address climate change and wider environment and resource issues, says UCL Commission Chair. The UK urgently needs a green economic strategy to move towards low-carbon prosperity, resource security and environmental quality, says a new report published today by UCL's Green Economy Policy Commission. The Commission - drawn from a range of academic disciplines across UCL - argues that the UK's current situation of climate instability and increasing resource constraints mean that decisive action is urgently needed by the UK government to green the economy. Greening the Recovery argues that there is a window of opportunity for policies that acknowledge future resource constraints and deliver more sustainable growth. Such policies will address fundamental structural weaknesses and achieve a sounder economic recovery. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the key elements of a green economy. It emphasises that a green economy is not about niche sectors, but about the whole economy.