More than 100 companies from across the economy have put their names to an open letter urging the government to create the right policy environment for faster action on climate change.
Signatories include JLL, Aviva Investors, Buro Happold and RELX Group, the parent company of EG.
The letter, to prime minister Rishi Sunak (pictured), says the UK’s climate commitments and the net-zero transition represent “the economic opportunity of the 21st century” for businesses, but warns that the UK risks being left behind without renewed focus from government.
It has been coordinated by Aldersgate Group, a multi-stakeholder alliance chaired by former prime minister Theresa May, which champions an environmentally sustainable economy.
The letter says: “We plan to invest billions into the low carbon economy because we know it is crucial for our future prosperity, and because we know it is the right thing to do for the future of our planet.
“We have consensus across the economy on the need for faster action, and the policy environment should reflect this consensus.”
JLL UK chief executive Stephanie Hyde said: “We have the solutions to tackling climate change.
“Our businesses are built around new technologies, skilled jobs, and the massive innovation capabilities of the UK and we need the government’s leadership and commitment to the green economy.”
Other signatories include Associated British Ports, Amazon, M&S, Tesco and a wide range of energy and utility companies, including Octopus Energy, EDF, Eon, and Anglian Water.
The letter follows the latest report from the Climate Change Committee, which said that “a key opportunity to push a faster pace of progress has been missed”.
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