There are many issues that will bring about changes in the environmental and ecological consultancy market in the years ahead. Probably, most notably, Brexit. Other long-term trends such as the effects of climate change and flooding are increasingly felt by the public. Hopefully government policy will begin to reflect changing attitudes towards environmental issues and will drive more positive market changes. However, with sluggish economic growth forecast and the effects of Brexit only just beginning to be felt, what will the future hold? In this article spread across several posts, we take a look at some of the environmental and business issues facing us in the next few years.
Up to 80% of the UK’s environmental policy derives from EU legislation. The British Government has stated that many of these laws will be transferred into UK law. Note that they do not say “all” laws. Opinion across all political parties is divided and their overall Brexit objectives unclear. There have already been many wide-ranging disputes and debates in parliament, for example regarding animal sentience and the working time directive. With so much to think about, it is unclear whether environmental legislation will be fully considered as part of the process or even used as a bargaining issue during the negotiations. However, it seems likely that not all EU legislation will make it into UK law after Brexit.
Prime Minister Theresa May has previously commented that she wishes to cut down on red tape with relation to planning and developments. As such, there is fear that environmental legislation will be watered down. An early example of this is the ‘precautionary principle’ which is expected to be omitted from the Repeal Bill.
Throughout the Brexit negotiations, environmental legislation will be consistent with any changes in EU law. Throughout the following transitional period post-Brexit, legislation is expected to remain unchanged. What happens after the transitional period remains unclear.
Environmental Changes
There is overwhelming consensus on global climate change. It is widely quoted that 97% of scientists agree it is largely driven by human activity. Humans must act quickly in order to prevent further greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) should be the final nail in the coffin for climate change sceptics and as such, the next few years will hopefully see movement towards creating a future less reliant on fossil fuels and more focussed efforts on sustainability. Whether this is government or industry led remains to be seen. With President Trump pulling the USA out of the Paris climate agreement, we hope the rest of the world will stand up and be counted. China is already investing heavily in green technology and as the balance of world power shifts east, perhaps attitudes to renewables will move higher up the agenda.
Of the remaining nations still signed up to the Paris climate agreement, for those that take their responsibilities seriously, the effects on businesses could be wide ranging. Businesses will have to become more environmentally friendly either by choice or through legislative measures. Ultimately it is those businesses that act quickly and adapt to the changing business environment that will have a competitive advantage.
As a result of the IPCC’s recent report and other climate legislation such as the agreements reached at Kyoto, areas of growth in the next ten years include emissions and climate change management, sustainability and environmental impact assessment (EIA).
The next few blog posts in this series will focus on some of the issues that have and will come about due to climate change and will suggest ways in which consultants may take advantage of new opportunities as they arise. Click here for Part 2: Flooding and Energy and here for Part 3: Going Green and Recruitment
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