Is reaching net zero a growth and prosperity plan?

Drawing on the latest evidence from a range of disciplines, this joint University of Cambridge and London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) policy report aims to assist decision-makers in HM Treasury (HMT) and beyond by offering constructive suggestions on how to help steer the UK economy through this transition, on to a path that boosts productivity, incomes, and employment, while maintaining healthy public finances and sustainable public debt. The report asks fundamental questions: is reaching net zero a growth and prosperity plan? If so, how much do we need to invest, can we afford it, and how do we pay for it? Are there less ambitious options which might be economically expeditious? To answer this, a conceptual understanding of the nature of the challenge and the drivers of innovation and structural change is needed. This further calls for a broadening of the analytical toolkit with profound conclusions for policy recommendations.

Zenghelis, D. , Costa-Allendes, A. , Stephenson, S., Nemo Ramirez, C., Wale, W., Hunnable, H. (2024). Is reaching net zero a growth and prosperity plan? Economics, tools and actions for a rapidly changing world by the Cambridge Zero Policy Forum.