Frontier is delighted to have worked with Sustainability First to help further the understanding of how policymakers might best deliver a just transition to net zero. On a pro bono basis, a team of our economists undertook a project that addressed the need for policymakers to better incorporate intergenerational fairness in setting climate policy.

Their report provides a starting point for the development of a framework that considers the intergenerational effects of decarbonisation and climate adaptation policies, focusing on approach and appraisal (creating a comprehensive framework would require further development). By understanding and articulating the long-term intergenerational benefits of environmental measures, policymakers can accelerate the rate at which these measures are realised, which will be central to delivering upon commitments of the Paris agreement as well as achieving successful outcomes for this year’s COP26.

Sharon Darcy, Director at Sustainability First said: “We are delighted to have worked so closely with the team at Frontier on this report. Frontier’s excellent analysis highlights that inter-generational equity needs to be addressed in climate talks and crucially in UK action on both mitigation and adaptation. The Climate Change Committee’s Third Climate Change Risk Assessment out last week highlights that tackling current and intergenerational climate impacts is an urgent priority for government. We look forward to discussing this further at our roundtable on 10th September.”

The report has been launched today and can be found here. Sustainability First have also written an accompanying Viewpoint Piece, available here, which provides their own reflections that build on our report. Both of these are set to be submitted to the Treasury, BEIS and Ofgem to help inform future policymaking.

For more information, please contact us on media@frontier-economics.com or at +44 (0) 20 7031 7000.