Lord Adair Turner on why a Green Recovery is essential as we look to Build Back Better
Ahead of the Climate Innovation Virtual Forum 2020 on Wednesday 1 July, we caught up with Lord Adair Turner, Chairman of the Energy Transitions Commission, to discuss why a Green Recovery is essential as we look to Build Back Better.
Ahead of the Climate Innovation Virtual Forum 2020 on Wednesday 1 July, we caught up with Lord Adair Turner, Chairman of the Energy Transitions Commission, to discuss why a Green Recovery is essential as we look to Build Back Better.
Q. Why do you think the Green Recovery is essential as we look to BuildBackBetter?
A. To limit global warming to 1.5°C, and prevent potentially catastrophic climate change, we need to reduce global emissions to net zero by mid century. That is undoubtedly technologically and economically possible. But without a dramatic acceleration of progress, we will not get there fast enough. Well-designed economic recovery policies can both drive more rapid energy transition and support strong economic growth.
Q. What industries/technologies/projects offer the best opportunities to create clean jobs whilst keeping us on a pathway to net-zero?
Many technologies are vital – including electric vehicles, batteries, hydrogen electrolysis, synthetic meat production and synthetic aviation fuels. But in terms of jobs, the biggest short-term opportunity is retrofit of buildings to improve energy efficiency, together with tree planting and other forms of eco- restoration
A. Where should public and private sector investment shift towards to ensure we grow low-carbon industries and avoid future lock-ins?
ThetTwo priorities are (I) huge investments to support a massive expansion of renewable electricity generation, which can drive green electrification of most of the economy (II) energy-efficient and material efficient buildings.
Lord Adair Turner will be speaking at the Climate Innovation Virtual Forum 2020 on Wednesday 1 July to discuss how the UK can use the net-zero emission target as a pathway for economic recovery post pandemic. Join him and other industry leading experts by registering for free today.
