Government urged to support transition following historic Cop28 agreement - Chamber

Business leaders have welcomed the positive progress on the transition to net zero made at this week’s Cop28 summit in in Dubai.

The global summit reached historic deal hailed by the United Nations as “the beginning of the end for the fossil fuel era”.

The agreement, to start transitioning away from all oil, coal and gas this decade, followed more than 24 hours of fraught negotiations.

It is the first time that nations have agreed to reduce the global reliance on fossil fuels.

The summit also agreed a number of new policy positions, such as a commitment to triple renewables and doubling the rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030.

The agreement also calls on countries to accelerate low and zero emission technologies such as carbon capture and storage.

Kuran Singh (pictured), policy advisor at Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, said: “The need to transition away from fossil fuel usage has never been greater.

“It is vitally important that the UK government supports the transition to Net Zero by developing policy positions that encourage the development of infrastructure that is required, to ensure renewable energy technology become prevalent across the nation.

“Indeed, increasing energy efficiency is a challenge that requires significant support. It is fantastic to see that support starting to emerge, particularly from the West Midlands Combined Authority who have recently launched their Business Energy Advice Service programme, which seeks to support businesses by offering free energy assessments and the opportunity to apply for grants.

“The Chamber will continue to support businesses on their Net Zero journey, providing them with the knowledge and understanding they need to implement measures, through our annual Sustainable Business Series campaign.”

Click here to find out more on the Business Energy Advice Service programme.