The Rt Hon. Chris Skidmore, MP: Can the UK retain a global leadership role in Net Zero?

Chris was first elected to Kingswood Constituency in 2010 and still serves there, the area he grew up in. He took on the portfolio for Minister of Energy in 2019 and since then has had a specific focus on how the UK can really lead on climate issues and deliver net zero.

With its 2019 legislation, the UK became the first G7 country to commit to net zero – but is this leadership role being maintained or wasted? By 2050, the UK is legally required to have reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 100% from 1990 levels. In this podcast we’ll explore how Chris Chaired the independent review into net zero and how the 2050 target could maximise economic growth whilst also increasing energy security and affordability for consumers and businesses. You’ll hear about the 129 recommendations made in the review and also the risks presented by relinquishing a leadership role at this point in time.

You’ll also hear key thoughts on how the ‘myth of cost’ has affected consumer discussion around net zero and the significant pro-business opportunities in the green economy. Chris and Alex explore the need for investment in Net Zero to break out of the political cycle into a longer-term programme the right kind of spend as well as the type of data that isn’t yet being collected but which would prove a game changer for the approaches taken in government and business.

In addition, we explore just how a Green Special Relationship between the UK and US could work and what the two-way financial and technological benefits could be.

Show Links:

· Explore the Net Zero review that Chris chaired and its key findings

· Learn more about Chris Skidmore

· Connect with Alex to suggest a guest or to talk about what you’re hearing on the podcast (or simply to learn more about Decarb Connect)

· Explore our upcoming events in the US, UK, Europe, Canada and more

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Many thanks to our production partner and sponsor Janno Media for their support in delivering this podcast. They continue to facilitate great conversations that connect us with our audience, and their skills and expertise mean we can concentrate exclusively on generating great content to engage, inform and inspire.

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