Shell and Boots executives criticize Sunak's UK climate endeavors.

Shell and Boots executives voice dissatisfaction with Rishi Sunak's climate efforts in the UK, signaling a disconnect between governmental policies and corporate sustainability goals. Their criticism highlights broader concerns regarding the efficacy and alignment of climate initiatives with business objectives.

Leaders from companies like Shell and Boots echo the sentiments of the Climate Change Committee (CCC) CEO, expressing concern over Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's perceived setback in the UK's climate targets and sustainability endeavors. Historically recognized for its climate leadership since the 1980s, the UK took pioneering steps as the first major economy to halve emissions and adopt a net zero strategy.

However, individuals tasked with holding the UK government accountable for environmental action assert that Sunak's policies have regressed progress on climate change, a sentiment shared by many corporate leaders. Chris Stark, CEO of the CCC, emphasizes the need to shift focus from past achievements in reducing greenhouse gas emissions towards future actions essential for achieving net zero.

Joe Franses, VP of Sustainability at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, expresses concern over the changing discourse surrounding net zero in UK politics. Franses highlights a "collective fear" of addressing net zero objectives and laments the waning ambition that threatens the UK's international climate leadership status, despite significant strides in emissions reduction and the incorporation of net zero and carbon budgets into UK legislation. He stresses the urgent need for stakeholders in both business and government to reframe discussions, emphasizing the benefits and opportunities arising from green investment, innovation, and technology.

Stark identifies several areas where he perceives a lack of leadership, including heating homes, industrial emissions, farming, and transportation. He underscores the necessity for stronger policies in these domains to prevent the UK from falling behind in the global climate race.

The critique of Sunak's approach to climate policy is supported by John MacArthur, Senior Advisor to The World Business Council for Sustainable Development and former Group Climate Change Officer at ADNOC and VP Group Carbon at Shell. MacArthur commends Stark for his balanced and constructive criticism, emphasizing the importance of a transition to net zero that garners widespread support.

Sunak's failure to appoint a new CEO for the CCC before Stark's departure at the end of April 2024 raises further concerns. This delay, coupled with the postponement of the deadline for phasing out petrol and diesel cars, suggests a shift towards a more pragmatic approach to achieving net zero emissions. However, critics argue that this approach undermines the UK's previous commitments and leadership in combating climate change.

In response, a government spokesperson defends the UK's climate efforts, highlighting achievements such as halving greenhouse gas emissions since 1990 and setting ambitious climate targets for 2035. Nevertheless, critics like Richard Baker, former chair of Whitbread and CEO of Boots, argue that Sunak's actions create uncertainty for business investments and jeopardize the UK's position as a global leader in climate action.

Stark's tenure as CEO of the CCC, during which he worked closely with Theresa May's government to establish the Net Zero by 2050 target, has been instrumental in shaping the UK's approach to climate change. His expertise in energy and climate change, combined with his governmental experience, underscores the gravity of his critique of Sunak's policies. Ultimately, Stark warns of the diplomatic ramifications of perceived diminished ambition, highlighting the need for the UK to regain its position as a climate leader on the global stage.

Chris collaborated closely with Theresa May’s administration to enshrine the UK's Net Zero by 2050 goal into law, establishing the UK as the inaugural major economy to do so. His contributions to the UK’s Carbon Budget and Climate Change Risk Assessments have significantly influenced the nation's climate strategy. Formerly, Chris served as the Director of Energy and Climate Change for the Scottish Government and held various governmental positions in HM Treasury and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Regarding Rishi Sunak's discourse on reassessing pathways to net zero, Chris expresses concern, perceiving it as a setback. He reflects on the UK's previous leadership in advancing climate action, highlighting its fundamental importance to the economy and citizens. Chris notes a shift from proactive advancement to a stance of recuperation, leading to diplomatic repercussions and perceptions of diminished UK climate ambition globally, posing significant challenges for restoration.

Source:Sustainability Magazine‍