A green recovery from Covid 19?
Could the one silver lining of the coronavirus tragedy be a green recovery? Climate scientists are urging the United Kingdom, as the incoming host of the Cop26 Summit, to take world-leading measures for emissions reductions. Though Priti Patel’s recent press briefing, in which she spoke of ‘leading the world when it comes to reopening aviation’, did little to indicate moves towards a greener future, campaigners are signalling that this presents an opportunity to take positive steps in the fight against climate change. In the Guardian, Andrew Murphy of the NGO Transport & Environment said it was encouraging that the UK Government had not yet announced bail-outs for airlines, while Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace called for green conditions for any future government aid in that regard.
Members of the EU are already exploring job-creating green investments, notably Norway, which is directing billions of pounds into green industries including low-emission shipping. The EU’s green recovery package has pledged up to 60 million euros on zero emissions trains – an excellent alternative to frequent flying. Belgium, meanwhile, has just announced that it will give its residents ten free train journeys each in a bid to boost domestic tourism. Time will tell whether the UK will also take positive measures, but we’re keeping everything crossed!
How could the UK make a green recovery in relation to tourism?
Put green conditions on any aviation industry bail-outs
Halt moves towards a third runway at Heathrow permanently
Invest in green technology, such as electric cars and zero emissions trains
Create opportunity for greener ways to explore UK destinations, including cycle and walking paths and cheaper train travel
Create incentives for eco-builders