'Doing nothing is not cheaper': West Midlands launches 5-year climate action plan to boost green jobs
The Mayor of the West Midlands has launched a five-year climate plan aiming to protect jobs and economic growth while addressing climate change, projected to cost £600m annually by 2030 and £3bn by the 2050s.
Analysis commissioned by the West Midlands Combined Authority shows that climate impacts could reduce regional economic output by over £600m every year by 2030, and up to £2.9bn per year by mid-century if risks are not addressed.
Launching the West Midlands Climate Change Five Year Plan, the Mayor said the choice facing the region is clear: act now to strengthen infrastructure and unlock clean growth or pay a far higher economic price later.
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Climate change is already costing our economy. Flooded roads, disrupted rail lines, supply chain shocks and rising energy bills all hit businesses and working families. Doing nothing is not cheaper. It’s far more expensive. This plan is about protecting our economy, backing our manufacturers and making sure the West Midlands stays competitive in a changing world.”
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, added: “This is a hugely important deal for the West Midlands – and like so many local authorities across the country, the region is simply getting on with climate action because it’s the right thing to do for bills, jobs, energy security and future generations. This deal will unlock investment in clean homegrown energy, cut grid delays and help us take back control of energy, delivering a more secure and brighter future for local communities across the region.”
Recent extreme weather events have already exposed economic vulnerabilities across the region. Storm damage has disrupted transport and power supplies; while flooding and overheating have created risks for businesses and households.
The plan focuses on removing barriers to investment and growth, including:
- Tackling grid capacity constraints that delay renewable energy and industrial electrification
- Accelerating Local Area Energy Planning to futureproof housing and major developments
- Establishing a Regional Heat Decarbonisation Unit to unlock shared heat infrastructure
- Developing a stronger pipeline of investment-ready projects
- Creating a blended regional investment facility to attract long-term private capital
The plan also sets out proposals to work with government and national agencies to secure devolved funding and clearer regional carbon accounting frameworks, giving the West Midlands greater control over delivery as well as further resources and powers for the deployment of adaption measures to help address climate change.