Four new research programmes will receive £60m to support the UK’s resilience to climate change, develop digital environments, promote clean air and investigate how to use land to boost health outcomes.
The announcement was made by Business Secretary Greg Clark during the first ever Green GB Week, which is a Government drive to encourage businesses to develop sustainable models which help tackle climate change.
Mr Clark said: ‘Companies are capitalising on the UK’s world-leading position in the greener economy as we transition to a greener, cleaner economy and is one of the greatest industrial opportunities of our time.
‘The UK is a world leader in tackling climate change, cutting our emissions more than 40% since 1990 while growing our economy. When you combine Britain’s leadership, innovation and determination it is an unbeatable combination – exactly what our Industrial Strategy and Green GB Week are supporting and encouraging.’
The Government says Britain’s best innovators and researchers will be invited to pitch their ideas to receive the funding.
Chief Scientist of the Met Office, Professor Stephen Belcher, said: ‘These programmes will allow the Met Office and our partners to make real progress in two areas of significant environmental impact: air pollution and climate change.
UK Research and Innovation Chief Executive, Professor Sir Mark Walport, said: ‘The recent IPCC report is a timely reminder of the challenges we face in tackling climate change. Storm Callum has highlighted the impact that extreme weather events can have on our communities.
‘It is vital that the evidence generated by research is used effectively to navigate and mitigate the effects of climate change, and new technologies are developed to support a move to a low carbon economy.’
The programmes will be administered by UKRI.
Earlier this week, Amazon used Green GB week to announce they will be installing solar panels on 10 of their fulfilment centres across the UK.