Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) Abolished

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) were replaced last month by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

DECC was primarily responsible for representing the UK at international climate meetings, taking action on climate change, providing energy security and supporting renewable energy. The abolishment of DECC has been widely criticised with fears that it may weaken UK responsibilities on climate change and carbonisation. There are particular concerns that the abolishment of DECC demonstrates a lack of commitment and leadership on climate change and will affect the confidence of low carbon investors.

However, the integration of two key departments to form the BEIS may create new opportunities for a low carbon economy by promoting and supporting cross functional long term sustainable planning. The integration of DECC and BIS may now actually elevate climate change and energy issues to a much higher political level than was previously possible by DECC on its own.

The success of the BEIS will be reviewed in the coming months and will largely be determined by the effectiveness of the strategy and actions taken on climate change and energy security.

Author: Pete Schofield, Environment Manager