A new e-book by researchers at King’s Business School and the University of Edinburgh compiles urgent policy recommendations from nearly forty experts in business, finance, international organisations, and academia. The recommendations to address climate change and transform the UK into a net zero finance hub are highlighted in the e-book named ‘Accelerating Transition – Climate Finance Policies to Prioritise in the First 100 Days’.
The proposed policies include a higher Capital Gains Tax rate for heavy carbon emitters and streamlined listing rules for green companies. The book includes contributions from Bankers for Net Zero, the World Benchmarking Alliance, the Global Systems Institute, the Climate Bonds Initiative, Chapter Zero, the GARP Risk Institute, PWC, and several leading universities, offering 25 specific, actionable recommendations. These recommendations range from stronger market incentives for green finance to measures focusing on the built environment and power infrastructure.
Some key recommendations include establishing an Office of Sustainability Planning to develop realistic climate risk scenarios over a 5 to 10-year horizon, mandating environmental considerations within the AI regulatory framework, and encouraging green emerging market listings in London through streamlined processes and improved tax treatment.
Additional proposals involve issuing sustainability-linked and adaptation sovereign bonds, expanding the Green Gilt programme, providing capital and guarantees through UK Export Finance for British innovators, and aligning UK insolvency laws with net zero objectives to catalyse innovation in carbon-efficient projects. Simplified planning and approval processes for green energy infrastructure and gigafactories, increasing the carbon price to support the low carbon transition, and strategically investing the revenues in the power grid and energy price stability are also highlighted.
David Carlin, Founder of Cambium Global Solutions & Visiting Research Fellow, King’s Business School said, “This book seeks to spur action on the UK’s sustainable finance priorities by serving as a resource and inspiration for the nation’s policymakers at this critical moment. It intends to spark dialogues and actions to deliver a competitive, thriving, net-zero Britain.”