Shuffling the Deck

3 minute read

2018 research from UKSSD found that the UK is failing to perform on 76% of the 143 targets considered relevant to achieve the 17 UN SDGs. Mary Creagh, former chair of the Environmental Audit Committee previously labelled the government's efforts towards the SDGs as a "total fail" – so what impact could February's cabinet reshuffle have on the SDGs and could the so-called 'Green Budget' be in doubt?

A recent study from Carbon Brief revealed that last year, CO2 levels in the UK were at their lowest levels since 1888. This included a 28% reduction over the last 10 years, largely driven by a fall in coal emissions, with more modest changes in oil and gas. With the low hanging fruit picked, researchers estimate that the UK must double the current rate of reduction to hit the 2050 net zero target, while focusing on trickier areas than electricity production, like transportation, heating and industrial processes.

In Boris's latest shake up, the Environment and Business Secretaries, both of whom were appointed in July were sacked; but Sajid Javid's departure as Chancellor, one month before the first budget since the UKs 2050 net zero commitment, was undoubtedly the shock of the day. It had been reported that Treasury was reviewing the total cost of meeting this commitment and how it should be funded. Philip Hammond, Chancellor at the time the legislation was passed (June 2019), was quoted as saying achieving the commitment would "cost £70bn per year". But is it that simple? New Chancellor Rishi Sunak has his work cut out for him and will have to spend wisely, to ensure the transition brings with it new jobs, creates economic opportunities and fuels innovation in emerging industries.

Before all this, Boris had only just sacked Claire O'Neill as President of COP26 (due to be held in Glasgow in November), eventually appointing Secretary of State for BEIS, Alok Sharma as her replacement (after being turned down by former PM David Cameron). This now means the position of COP26 President is now a ministerial role, not an independent one, a point Mrs O'Neill highlighted as she was swiftly exited stage left. Mr Sharma has a history of predominantly voting against climate change legislation (including against last year's Green Industrial Revolution). In fact he has only voted positively on two out of 13 climate-related votes. He does however have a track record in international development, with experience working on climate mitigation and adaptation in developing countries, particularly in Africa. Perhaps Mark Carney supporting COP26 as Finance Advisor, will lend any sceptics some reassurance?

Shuffling the deck or rearranging the deckchairs on the Titanic? Only time will tell.