Economic Policy SDGS Evidence from the UK

Theodoulou, Ivi (2026): Economic Policy SDGS Evidence from the UK.

Abstract

Climate change has become a central concern in 21st-century economic policy, influencing monetary, fiscal, competition, and social security strategies. This paper examines how the United Kingdom has integrated climate objectives into its policy frameworks, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Bank of England has implemented carbon reduction targets, renewable energy adoption, and climate stress-tests to enhance financial stability. Fiscal policies, including investment in climate adaptation and mitigation, demonstrate proactive planning for both acute and chronic climate-related risks. Competition policy enables climate change agreements that promote sustainable practices while remaining consistent with international standards. Social security measures, including financial support, green job programs, and energy subsidies, safeguard vulnerable populations from climate impacts. The UK’s approach illustrates a holistic model in which economic, environmental, and social policies intersect, advancing resilience, sustainability, and equitable development. Keywords: Climate change, SDGs, UK policy, monetary policy, fiscal policy, social security, competition policy, sustainability, net-zero.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: : Climate change, SDGs, UK policy, monetary policy, fiscal policy, social security, competition policy, sustainability, net-zero.
• Subjects: Q - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics ; Environmental and Ecological Economics > Q5 - Environmental Economics > Q54 - Climate ; Natural Disasters and Their Management ; Global Warming

References

• Bank of England. (2021). Annual Report and Accounts 2020/21. London: Bank of England. • Carbon Trust. (2021). Carbon footprint verification. London: Carbon Trust.

• Climate Change Committee (CCC). (2020). Sixth Carbon Budget. London: CCC. • Climate Change Committee (CCC). (2023b). Progress in adapting to climate change: England. London: CCC. • Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) & Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). (2021). Net Zero Strategy. London: DESNZ & BEIS. • Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). (2022). Social Security and Climate Adaptation Report. London: DWP. • Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). (2022). Social Security and Climate Adaptation Report. London: DWP. • European Commission. (2021). Guidelines on horizontal cooperation agreements. Brussels: EC. • Kar, R., & Cochrane, T. (2002). Environmental sustainability agreements. London: CMA Report. • Notre Dame Global Adaptation Index (ND-GAIN). (2023). Country Index: UK. Notre Dame. • UK Green Jobs Taskforce. (2023). Green Skills and Workforce Transition. London: HM Government. • UK Green Jobs Taskforce. (2023). Green Skills and Workforce Transition. London: HM Government. • United Nations. (2015). Sustainable Development Goals. New York: UN. • United Nations. (2015). Sustainable Development Goals. New York: UN. • Watkiss, P. (2022). Economic analysis of climate adaptation costs. University of Leeds.