The United States’ cannonball entry to the global race to net zero has created tidal waves across the Atlantic. Europe, worried about its own attempts to green and reap the economic benefits of new green industry has responded in kind. But the UK, no longer part of the EU, has both the opportunity and challenge of shaping its own response.

The UK can rightly claim to be a driving force behind the global growth in renewables, but this early leadership has perhaps made the UK complacent. Our emissions reductions have been rapid, but we have been slow to take advantage of the next wave of opportunities.

On Thursday 9 March 2023, this event, and the associated publication of a series of essays, discussed the challenges posed by Biden and Europe’s new green plans and looked into how the UK might respond. We discussed both individual sectors like electric vehicles and wider implications for our economy.

The discussion included an audience Q&A.

Panel

• Sam Alvis, head of economy, Green Alliance
• Helena Bennett, head of climate policy, Green Alliance
• Luke Murphy, associate director for energy, climate, housing and infrastructure, IPPR
• Ana Musat, executive director, policy and engagement, Renewables UK