Risk or reward? Securing a just transition in the north of England

Article

As the most recent IPCC report on global warming shows, decarbonising the UK’s economy is an urgent necessity if we are to tackle the threat of climate change and stand a chance of limiting global warming to 1.5C.

Yet the shift to a low-carbon economy carries significant risks to the number and quality of jobs in those areas which are home to carbon-based energy generation. This will disproportionately impact the north of England, where the majority of coal and gas power stations in England are situated. Illustrative figures from IPPR analysis shows that approximately 28,000 jobs in the coal, oil and gas industries could be lost in the north of England by 2030.

This interim report finds that the government’s decarbonisation strategy and associated policies are set to realise the risks rather than reap the rewards of the transition to a low-carbon economy in the north of England.

Related items

  1. Two young children run playing underneath a rainbow canopy in a park or garden

    It takes a village: Empowering families and communities to improve children's health

    How can we build the healthiest generation of children ever?

  2. Scotland: Taxed enough already? Maybe not

    It is possible to make the case for progressive increases in income tax while in government. You can win the argument, and the world won’t come to an end.  
  3. The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, River Thames and Westminster Bridge

    Fairness first: How the budget can make life better and the economy stronger

    The chancellor faces a daunting task at the upcoming budget. A fiscal gap sets the stage, putting the chancellor in the unenviable position of having to raise taxes.