EDUCATION
Delight - Teesside University ’ s Professor Paul Croney .
Research shows support for green economy
A
new research report from Teesside University has found that while people have concerns about reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 , support for a greener future postpandemic is strong .
The research , conducted by YouGov and commissioned by North of England gas distributor Northern Gas Networks , also saw one in three people ( 30 per cent ) say that they are unsure whether Great Britain could be carbon neutral within the next 30 years .
The report also concludes that people want to see greener policy commitments at the top of the agenda when the country begins to " build back better " after the Covid-19 pandemic .
The research finds that close to two-thirds ( 64 per cent ) of respondents think the country should take the opportunity to rebuild the post-pandemic economy in a way that is greener and better for the environment .
The research also found that :
> Most people are as concerned about the environment as they were before the coronavirus outbreak ( 59 per cent ), or even more concerned ( 14 per cent ).
> In the North-East , 68 per cent of respondents said they were proud of the region ’ s industrial heritage and the sense of identity it continues to give to communities .
> More 18-to-24-year-olds in Great Britain want the government to prioritise unlocking investment in green energy ( 20 per cent ) than on job creation ( 15 per cent ).
> Of those who said Great Britain should take the opportunity to rebuild in a way that is greener and better for the environment , more than a third ( 35 per cent ) think a green recovery will help to bring communities together . The report , A Climate for Change , investigates current public attitudes around climate change and the shift to greener energy sources , as well as economic and environmental priorities . It has been written by Professor Matthew Cotton , chair of Public Policy at Teesside University .
Professor Cotton said : “ Reaching net-zero requires big but achievable changes , both to society and to the ways in which our economy can grow sustainably .
“ As individuals , the concept of ‘ think global – act local ’ is relevant . The benefits of ‘ building back better ’ are not limited to the environment and regaining economic prosperity , but also to the opportunity to promote positive social values and bring diverse groups together , as highlighted by many people taking part in our research .
“ Businesses have a responsibility to provide environmental and community-led initiatives as part of the nation ’ s recovery .”
Mark Horsley , CEO of Northern Gas Networks , said : “ Our research nationally and in the north of England demonstrates clear public support for urgent climate action . The findings also show that Great Britain is firmly behind green innovation as we look towards a postpandemic recovery . Key to making that happen is collaboration between government , the public sector and other industry leaders to drive forward the debate .
“ However , this research also suggests that when it comes to specific transitions to alternative energy sources such as hydrogen , public awareness and understanding is very low .”
Investment is critical to post-pandemic recovery
Teesside University has backed announcements in the Budget regarding the location of Treasury North in Darlington and to create a freeport in the Tees Valley . Vice-chancellor and chief executive of Teesside University , Professor Paul Croney , said : “ We are delighted that the government has chosen Darlington as the base for Treasury North and is investing in economic growth and jobs creation in the Tees Valley .
“ It is critical that the post-pandemic recovery plan responds to the differing needs across the UK , and that the voice of the regions is reflected in future policy decisions . Locating this core government function outside of London , to be based here in the Tees Valley , will allow for more effective engagement with and understanding of the social , economic and cultural context .
“ As an anchor institution with global reach , Teesside University is fully behind the levelling up ambition and contributes to this in collaboration with partners , to improve economic and social prosperity .
“ We look forward to contributing to the development of the proposed economic campus through providing graduate talent and research expertise across accounting , finance , economics , politics and social policy , and to explore opportunities to work in partnership with policymakers to provide evidence , analysis and evaluation of key activities .”
For more information visit tees . ac . uk .
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