A group of 18 NGOs are urging Chancellor Sajid Javid to consider doubling government spending on public welfare through investments in clean infrastructure and British wildlife and nature. In a jointly signed letter, the group has estimated that the Government will need to more than double investment in green industries and British wildlife protection and restoration if the UK is to meet its climate goals. Currently the Government spends £17bn per year on such projects, while the letter’s estimate puts the amount necessary to reach the UK’s 2050 net-zero carbon target at £42bn. This would mean that about five per cent of government spending would need to be reallocated to put the UK on track for its 2050 goal. The group mentions the transport, power, housing and nature protection sectors as key areas for investment.

The group claims that a refusal to increase public investment in these industries’ transitions toward carbon-neutrality would significantly affect the economy due to long term damage to natural resources, homes, public transport and health. The letter suggests that these investments would create new jobs and keep energy and healthcare bills low, while easing city congestion through improved public transport. The letter also suggests that more public investment would encourage private spending from companies who may wish to take advantage of subsidised industries.

The 18 signatories are listed here:
Amnesty International UK, CAFOD, Christian Aid, The Climate Coalition, CPRE, Friends of the Earth, Green Alliance, Greenpeace UK, UK Health Alliance on Climate Change, Islamic Relief, The National Federation of Women’s Institutes, National Union of Students, Oxfam GB, The Ramblers, The RSPB, Wildlife Trusts, Woodland Trust and WWF-UK.

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