Where are we now and what else do we need to know?
International Context
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests (although some scientists and activists question whether ‘economic growth’ can be truly sustainable given current measures of economic growth require the increasing consumption of limited resources on a finite planet).
SDG 13 - Climate Action to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts and is linked to the Paris Agreement. This was signed at COP21 in 2015 and committed every nation in the world to work together to keep global warming below 2°C (aiming to limit this to 1.5°C).
As this report was being finalised COP26 had just concluded in Glasgow. COP (the annual ‘conference of the parties’ of signatories to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) is the mechanism for agreeing global action on ‘preventing “dangerous” human interference with the climate system’. As hosts of the event the UK Government has been keen to portray the event as a success where ‘Under the UK presidency and with the support of the UNFCCC Secretariat, delegates forged agreements that strengthen ambition in the three pillars of collective climate action.’.
While securing the agreement of all 195 countries is a rare event to be both applauded and appreciated, many scientists, organisations and campaigners feel the event failed because we remain on track to exceed the 1.5°C limit the scientists say we need to achieve to secure the long-term viability of a planet than can sustain human (and much other) life. Among the warm words of congratulations and praise, in the closing statement of Executive Secretary Patricia Espinosa was an acknowledgement that “Despite your accomplishments, we are still far off the trajectory of stabilizing global temperature rise at 1.5-degrees. It’s imperative we see more climate action this decade to achieve it. The emissions gap remains a serious threat, as do the gaps in finance and adaptation. As the Secretary General said: every country, city, company and financial institution must credibly and verifiably reduce their emissions and decarbonize their portfolios starting now.”
International Context
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests (although some scientists and activists question whether ‘economic growth’ can be truly sustainable given current measures of economic growth require the increasing consumption of limited resources on a finite planet).
SDG 13 - Climate Action to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts and is linked to the Paris Agreement. This was signed at COP21 in 2015 and committed every nation in the world to work together to keep global warming below 2°C (aiming to limit this to 1.5°C).
As this report was being finalised COP26 had just concluded in Glasgow. COP (the annual ‘conference of the parties’ of signatories to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) is the mechanism for agreeing global action on ‘preventing “dangerous” human interference with the climate system’. As hosts of the event the UK Government has been keen to portray the event as a success where ‘Under the UK presidency and with the support of the UNFCCC Secretariat, delegates forged agreements that strengthen ambition in the three pillars of collective climate action.’.
While securing the agreement of all 195 countries is a rare event to be both applauded and appreciated, many scientists, organisations and campaigners feel the event failed because we remain on track to exceed the 1.5°C limit the scientists say we need to achieve to secure the long-term viability of a planet than can sustain human (and much other) life. Among the warm words of congratulations and praise, in the closing statement of Executive Secretary Patricia Espinosa was an acknowledgement that “Despite your accomplishments, we are still far off the trajectory of stabilizing global temperature rise at 1.5-degrees. It’s imperative we see more climate action this decade to achieve it. The emissions gap remains a serious threat, as do the gaps in finance and adaptation. As the Secretary General said: every country, city, company and financial institution must credibly and verifiably reduce their emissions and decarbonize their portfolios starting now.”
National ContextThe Environment Bill is one of the key vehicles for delivering the Government’s vision as set out in the 25 Year Environment Plan. The Bill aims to put the environment at the centre of policy making to deliver a “cleaner, greener and more resilient country for the next generation”. It includes details on creating a new governance framework for the environment; a new direction for resources and waste management; improving air quality; securing water services; enhancing our green spaces and updating laws on chemicals. The government is now setting out how it plans to set the long-term targets under the Environment Bill framework.
It also includes action to mitigate climate change, while adapting to reduce its impact by continuing to cut greenhouse gas emissions; ensuring all policies, programmes and investment decisions consider the possible extent of climate change this century and implementing a second National Adaptation Programme.
There are concerns the Bill does not go far enough to protect vulnerable habitats around the world (including the issues of sewage waste in our rivers!). As one example, Greenpeace is calling for the government to tighten the legislation and prevent products linked to deforestation from entering the UK, including soy, beef, palm oil, cocoa, coffee and rubber. Current UK government proposals for a deforestation law in the Environment Bill aim only to ban products linked to ‘illegal’ deforestation, defined according to local laws. This leaves the door open for products linked to ‘legal’ deforestation and incentivises producer countries to legalise even more.
In 2020, the government published its 10-point plan for a green industrial revolution to build back better, support green jobs, and accelerate the path to net zero. This has now been enhanced by Build Back Better – a plan for growth and a Clean Growth strategy, described as an ‘ambitious blueprint for Britain’s low carbon future strategies.’
However, while the UK was one of the nations who raised ambitions and enhanced their commitments ahead of this year’s COP, there remains serious misgivings about both the plans to make this happen and how wider policies are still not aligned to this task. The Government’s own Climate Change Committee indicated earlier in the year that “The Government has made historic climate promises in the past year, for which it deserves credit. However, it has been too slow to follow these with delivery. This defining year for the UK’s climate credentials has been marred by uncertainty and delay to a host of new climate strategies. Those that have emerged have too often missed the mark. With every month of inaction, it is harder for the UK to get on track.”
As outlined in the Introduction and What Next the urgency of the situation requires something akin to placing the country on a war footing. A requirement echoed by Prince Charles at COP26.
Ahead of COP there was a flurry of further policy announcements by the UK Government, centred around their ‘green strategy’ and net zero ambitions for 2050. At the same time BBC Environment Correspondent, Roger Harrabin, questioned whether all these commitments were sufficient. While pointing out “the government's great over-arching green strategy is, on the face of, it a remarkable achievement”, he noted the inadequacy of many of the measures, the likelihood of fossil fuels production increasing through the “construction of £27bn worth of roads; allowing the continued sale of gas guzzling SUVs; allowing aviation to grow even though the public wants it curbed; and allowing mining for oil, gas and coal drilling in defiance of international advice.” Furthermore finance is inadequate and even if all of these policies are implemented overall emissions are likely to grow.
It is against this background that we highlight below some of the policy actions the Government should take.
Local Context
Both BCP and Dorset Councils have declared Climate Emergencies and produced plans to tackle the climate and ecological crises. Throughout the report we have referenced these and highlighted where actions should be seen as a priority and stressed how we feel they are best placed to lead the changes required. Both Councils appear to be guilty of being too slow to take tangible action, in part because of the focus on the pandemic, we now encourage them to raise their ambitions, accelerate action and treat them like an emergency, making up for lost time and taking advantage of a green economic recovery.
Just over half of BCP & Dorset Town Councils have declared climate emergencies (see Appendix). Some have set 2030 to become carbon neutral, such as Shaftesbury, Swanage and Weymouth which reflects the urgency of the crises and shows more ambition than Dorset Council. For those declaring an emergency almost all have an action plan to help them work towards this target.
The Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) should be central to unlocking a green recovery path, as they work with businesses, local government, education institutes and other industry and community organisations to drive economic growth, attract funding and investment, increase productivity and develop local strategies for Dorset. The LEP has set out how to turn the government’s industrial and net zero ambitions into tangible strategies in Dorset, mainly through net zero and local industrial strategies. They are also key in helping train people for the jobs needed to secure a greener future.
The Decarbonising Dorset report includes exciting opportunities for Dorset to reach net zero and create significant economic and social benefit for the county at the same time. The Local Industrial Strategy (LIS) is a twenty-year plan to increase productivity, innovation, earnings and wellbeing across the county, delivering on an ambition to create a local economy that is sustainable, innovative, resilient and inclusive. A big challenge for the LEP, as noted above with respect to the Sustainable Development Goals, is to what extent can we ensure that ‘economic growth’ does not itself create further problems rather than resolve them.
Most, if not all, public and private organisations have published a vision, strategy and values which seek to outline where the company is headed and what values are guiding that journey. It tells us the company’s purpose by focusing on the future and what the organization exists to achieve.
These are usually underpinned by a policy framework, which provides the key objectives of how and when the business will deliver its strategic aims and values. At the entry level, policies spell out how the business will meet legal standards. However, they should go well beyond this minimum. Policies should be appropriate to the business strategic and operational direction, include SMART objectives, be up to date and signed off by the CEO or equivalent (see ISO for more details). It is vital policies are implemented and do not just sit on a shelf collecting dust as a way to tick a corporate objective.
Organisations tend to have many policies, covering for example Human Resources, Health & Safety, procurement and the environment, but what is now vital is for all policies to include a commitment to tackle the climate and ecological crisis. It is now not good enough to have a standalone environment/sustainability policy; the crisis demands that all activities need to be assessed for their impact on the environment. The Policy framework must be kept up to date to reflect changes in the national, regional and local laws and strategies, if the organisation is to remain competitive and relevant.
Both Bournemouth University and Lush have developed comprehensive policy frameworks to help direct their business that go beyond the minimum legal requirements and embrace sustainable development. Both organisations measure the success of their leadership by their positive impact on society and the planet.
It also includes action to mitigate climate change, while adapting to reduce its impact by continuing to cut greenhouse gas emissions; ensuring all policies, programmes and investment decisions consider the possible extent of climate change this century and implementing a second National Adaptation Programme.
There are concerns the Bill does not go far enough to protect vulnerable habitats around the world (including the issues of sewage waste in our rivers!). As one example, Greenpeace is calling for the government to tighten the legislation and prevent products linked to deforestation from entering the UK, including soy, beef, palm oil, cocoa, coffee and rubber. Current UK government proposals for a deforestation law in the Environment Bill aim only to ban products linked to ‘illegal’ deforestation, defined according to local laws. This leaves the door open for products linked to ‘legal’ deforestation and incentivises producer countries to legalise even more.
In 2020, the government published its 10-point plan for a green industrial revolution to build back better, support green jobs, and accelerate the path to net zero. This has now been enhanced by Build Back Better – a plan for growth and a Clean Growth strategy, described as an ‘ambitious blueprint for Britain’s low carbon future strategies.’
However, while the UK was one of the nations who raised ambitions and enhanced their commitments ahead of this year’s COP, there remains serious misgivings about both the plans to make this happen and how wider policies are still not aligned to this task. The Government’s own Climate Change Committee indicated earlier in the year that “The Government has made historic climate promises in the past year, for which it deserves credit. However, it has been too slow to follow these with delivery. This defining year for the UK’s climate credentials has been marred by uncertainty and delay to a host of new climate strategies. Those that have emerged have too often missed the mark. With every month of inaction, it is harder for the UK to get on track.”
As outlined in the Introduction and What Next the urgency of the situation requires something akin to placing the country on a war footing. A requirement echoed by Prince Charles at COP26.
Ahead of COP there was a flurry of further policy announcements by the UK Government, centred around their ‘green strategy’ and net zero ambitions for 2050. At the same time BBC Environment Correspondent, Roger Harrabin, questioned whether all these commitments were sufficient. While pointing out “the government's great over-arching green strategy is, on the face of, it a remarkable achievement”, he noted the inadequacy of many of the measures, the likelihood of fossil fuels production increasing through the “construction of £27bn worth of roads; allowing the continued sale of gas guzzling SUVs; allowing aviation to grow even though the public wants it curbed; and allowing mining for oil, gas and coal drilling in defiance of international advice.” Furthermore finance is inadequate and even if all of these policies are implemented overall emissions are likely to grow.
It is against this background that we highlight below some of the policy actions the Government should take.
Local Context
Both BCP and Dorset Councils have declared Climate Emergencies and produced plans to tackle the climate and ecological crises. Throughout the report we have referenced these and highlighted where actions should be seen as a priority and stressed how we feel they are best placed to lead the changes required. Both Councils appear to be guilty of being too slow to take tangible action, in part because of the focus on the pandemic, we now encourage them to raise their ambitions, accelerate action and treat them like an emergency, making up for lost time and taking advantage of a green economic recovery.
Just over half of BCP & Dorset Town Councils have declared climate emergencies (see Appendix). Some have set 2030 to become carbon neutral, such as Shaftesbury, Swanage and Weymouth which reflects the urgency of the crises and shows more ambition than Dorset Council. For those declaring an emergency almost all have an action plan to help them work towards this target.
The Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) should be central to unlocking a green recovery path, as they work with businesses, local government, education institutes and other industry and community organisations to drive economic growth, attract funding and investment, increase productivity and develop local strategies for Dorset. The LEP has set out how to turn the government’s industrial and net zero ambitions into tangible strategies in Dorset, mainly through net zero and local industrial strategies. They are also key in helping train people for the jobs needed to secure a greener future.
The Decarbonising Dorset report includes exciting opportunities for Dorset to reach net zero and create significant economic and social benefit for the county at the same time. The Local Industrial Strategy (LIS) is a twenty-year plan to increase productivity, innovation, earnings and wellbeing across the county, delivering on an ambition to create a local economy that is sustainable, innovative, resilient and inclusive. A big challenge for the LEP, as noted above with respect to the Sustainable Development Goals, is to what extent can we ensure that ‘economic growth’ does not itself create further problems rather than resolve them.
Most, if not all, public and private organisations have published a vision, strategy and values which seek to outline where the company is headed and what values are guiding that journey. It tells us the company’s purpose by focusing on the future and what the organization exists to achieve.
These are usually underpinned by a policy framework, which provides the key objectives of how and when the business will deliver its strategic aims and values. At the entry level, policies spell out how the business will meet legal standards. However, they should go well beyond this minimum. Policies should be appropriate to the business strategic and operational direction, include SMART objectives, be up to date and signed off by the CEO or equivalent (see ISO for more details). It is vital policies are implemented and do not just sit on a shelf collecting dust as a way to tick a corporate objective.
Organisations tend to have many policies, covering for example Human Resources, Health & Safety, procurement and the environment, but what is now vital is for all policies to include a commitment to tackle the climate and ecological crisis. It is now not good enough to have a standalone environment/sustainability policy; the crisis demands that all activities need to be assessed for their impact on the environment. The Policy framework must be kept up to date to reflect changes in the national, regional and local laws and strategies, if the organisation is to remain competitive and relevant.
Both Bournemouth University and Lush have developed comprehensive policy frameworks to help direct their business that go beyond the minimum legal requirements and embrace sustainable development. Both organisations measure the success of their leadership by their positive impact on society and the planet.