Net-Zero North: Delivering the decarbonisation mission in the north of England

Article

The British economy is at a critical juncture. Its future success depends on overcoming two major, interrelated problems – long-term structural weaknesses in investment, productivity and trade, and the need to decarbonise. In this context, the north of England faces a particular challenge.

The North’s economy is more carbon intensive than the English average, and its many carbon-intensive industries face a challenging transition. It is also suffering from a lack of investment relative to other regions, particularly London.

However, the North has a large economic potential, more of which could be unlocked from directed investment, and is already realising many of the opportunities of decarbonisation, with a vibrant low-carbon goods and services sector and nearly half of England’s renewables generation.

Related items

  1. Will technology reduce the cost of delivering public services?

    This is the third in a series of blogs related to IPPR Scotland’s project on ‘Employment, Productivity and Reform in the Scottish Public Sector’ funded by the Robertson Trust. 
  2. Graphic depicting a stack of pound coins in the background and one sideways pound coin displayed on its side in the foreground

    The full-speed economy: Does running a hotter economy benefit workers?

    How a slightly hotter economy might be able to boost future growth.
  3. The outside of Rochdale town hall on a sunny day, with flowers in the foreground

    Making the most of it: Unitarisation, hyperlocal democratic renewal and community empowerment

    Local government reorganisation need not result in a weakening of democracy at the local level.