51³Ô¹ÏÍø

This publication shares evidence submitted to the Environmental Audit Committee's inquiry into The Seventh Carbon Budget by The Grantham Institute and 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Policy Forum. 

This response has been developed by: 

• Cait Hewitt, Grantham Institute, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø
• Rosie Allen, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Policy Forum, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø
• Dr , Visiting Researcher at the Grantham Institute, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø
• Dr , Partnership Development Manager, the Grantham Institute, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø
• Dr , Professor of Engineering Biology at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø
• Dr , Associate Professor in Economics at the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø College Business School, a co-Director of the School of Convergence Science – Sustainability, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø
• Dr , Associate Professor at the Grantham Institute, the Centre for Environmental Policy, and a member of the Sargent Centre for Process Systems Engineering, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø
• Dr , Professor of Process Systems Engineering at the Department of Chemical Engineering, a co-Director of the School of Convergence Science – Sustainability, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø
• Dr , Research Associate in Climate Damage Attribution at the Grantham Institute, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø
• Dr , Professor of Environmental Epidemiology at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø

Headlines:

• We welcome the Climate Change Committee (CCC)’s recommendations on the 7th carbon budget. 
• We consider the 0.2% GDP whole-economy cost estimate to be realistic, with the primary challenge being upfront financing rather than affordability.
• We support the CCC's emphasis on electrification of surface transport and buildings and note that the proposed dietary shifts align with existing consumer trends rather than requiring imposed changes. 
  • The inclusion of international aviation and shipping emissions in the budget is essential. 
• The transition presents substantial economic opportunities, particularly in sectors where the UK is well-positioned for long-term competitiveness, such as offshore wind and carbon capture technologies. 
• Given that future decarbonisation increasingly requires active public participation in decisions around diet, travel and heating, effective engagement will be essential to realising the full potential of the transition. 
• The benefits of meeting the 7th carbon budget, including avoided climate damages and significant health improvements from reduced air pollution, substantially exceed the investment costs. 
• Additional support for energy efficiency measures and accelerated deployment of carbon removal technologies could further insure against potential shortfalls whilst maximising co-benefits for fuel poverty, housing quality and energy security.