Measuring Britain’s Green Economy

Brian Sturgess

Published: March 2023

Official data show that the performance of Britain’s green economy, up to 2019 at least, has been decidedly anaemic. UKEF’s 2030 export target is unimpressive, but even so Britain’s green economy and international trade remain small. Measuring this sector is vital but statistical estimates of the evolving green economy represent work in progress, while Britain’s two official data sources are significantly inconsistent. These differences urgently need resolution. The EGSS database, which is more closely aligned with international standards, shows paltry responses to yawning skills gaps and concentration in low-growth/low-productivity activities. Britain post-Brexit, with an underperforming green economy, faces a long road ahead since the only sector effectively contributing to exports and jobs is electric vehicle production.