A recent analysis by Greenpeace has highlighted the UK’s lagging position in green spending among the top five Western European economies. Comparing the UK to France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, the analysis revealed significant disparities in per capita green energy investment and overall spending on low-carbon initiatives.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) government energy spending tracker covering the period from April 2020 to April 2023, the UK government’s investment in green spending falls short compared to its counterparts. France, for instance, invests nearly double the amount per capita on green spending, standing at $952.40 per capita compared to the UK’s $494.43.
Breaking down the sectors further, the UK ranks lowest among the top five in total spending on low-carbon and efficient transport, despite transport being a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. In comparison to Italy and Germany, the UK’s investment in low-carbon transport is significantly lower, highlighting a substantial gap in funding.
Similarly, the UK also falls short in terms of investment in energy-efficient buildings and industry, with France outpacing it by nearly double the amount. Even in energy efficiency measures for homes, the UK ranks second to last among its counterparts.
Georgia Whitaker, Greenpeace UK climate campaigner, expressed concern over the UK’s inadequate green investment, emphasizing the need for a bold green industrial strategy to boost the economy, address the cost of living, and combat the climate crisis.
While global energy-related carbon emissions saw a marginal decrease in 2023 due to the expansion of renewables, reaching a record level overall, the data underscores the urgency for governments to ramp up clean energy investment. With the UK trailing behind in green spending compared to its European neighbors, there’s a pressing need for concerted efforts to accelerate the transition towards sustainable energy solutions.
