Climate change given the cold shoulder

Johan Ostlund, director at CooperOstlund, the UK renewables expert, said that having just signed the Paris Agreement on Climate Change many would be surprised that the issue wasn’t mentioned.

“The industry wanted bold action, bravery, taking a global issue by the scruff of the neck, but what we got what was a cold shoulder with a hint of cheap indifference,” he said.

He added that a failure to commit to the long-term future of the renewables industry has continued to see subsidy rates degressed.

And there wasn’t much more of a positive response from the transport sector.

James Stamp, head of transport at KPMG UK, welcomed the funding for more road and rail capacity, along with specific improvements, such as alleviating road network pinch-points and the Midlands Rail Hub.

But he said even with investment in specific schemes, a stark fact remains – demand for transportation will always be ahead of the ability to pour more concrete.

“Making more from the capacity we have is – and will stay – key. Without this, congestion will remain a limiting factor on productivity,” he said.