The UK’s green businesses are worried about the future. This is the conclusion of The global green race: a business review of UK competitiveness in low carbon markets. Developed by Green Alliance with input from 12 global businesses, it highlights the extent of the competitive risks to companies in the UK’s high-performing low carbon sector and identifies specific government interventions to address these risks.

The UK’s green business success to date has been built around strong domestic carbon policies, diplomatic leadership to grow global markets for green goods and services, and clear political commitments to a low carbon growth path. But companies are worried because the conditions that have enabled the UK to forge ahead in the global green race no longer exist. The review identifies three routes for government to address these fears and help maintain UK competitiveness: restore confidence in the UK as a low carbon investment destination; enhance innovation to develop cleantech in areas of UK advantage; support development of new international green markets and trade.