Policy for Future Generations: UKYCC’s vision for future generations
At UKYCC, we dare to imagine a different future, for generations now and to come, and which stands with all species. By repositioning how we define success – beyond GDP as the country’s dominant metric – we can forge a fair and prosperous future for all
So, what do we see in this future UK?
Climate justice is not a fringe concern but the foundation of all policymaking, and policy is intergenerational by design. Every decision by government, businesses, and community leaders is assessed not only for its short-term gains, but for its long-term impact on people, planet, and prosperity across generations too.
The rights and needs of future citizens are represented in Parliament by a formalised Future Generations Commissioner.
Long-term wellbeing metrics sit alongside GDP, ensuring that we measure what truly matters: health, equity, access to nature, community cohesion, and the resilience of our ecosystems.
Nature is no longer viewed as a resource to be extracted, but a partner in our shared wellbeing. The UK’s landscapes – the moorlands, waters, coastlines, forests, and urban green spaces – are actively restored, rewilded, and protected. Rivers run clean, biodiversity thrives, and communities are deeply involved in stewarding their local environment. Nature-based solutions, like peatland restoration and urban green spaces creation, are mainstream tools across mitigation and adaptation.
People are no longer viewed primarily as economic units, but as citizens with potential, creativity, and inherent dignity. Work exists, but it is meaningful, secure, and balanced. Policies focus on reducing inequality, ensuring universal access to education, healthcare, and housing, and fostering social connection. Community wealth-building, social enterprise, and circular economy principles thrive at the local level.
The transition to a low-carbon society has been fair, with those who contributed least to the climate crisis supported the most. Energy systems are democratic and decentralised, with renewable power owned by communities. Transport is clean, accessible, and affordable. Cities and towns are walkable and bike-friendly, supporting physical and mental health.
If you have ideas on how our future could or should look like, and how to get there, get in touch with us at policyadvocacy@ukycc.org – let’s build a campaign together!
Read our article about the actions taken by Wales, Japan, Ecuador and others, which consider future generations in their national decision-making.
Policy Engagement for Future Generations
Submission to inquiry on building support for energy transition
On 19 February 2025, the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee opened an inquiry to assess whether the Government is communicating effectively to the public, on the objectives and benefits of the transition to net zero.
UKYCC submitted our response, highlighting that young people are not properly informed, engaged with, or equipped to understand and participate in the Government’s progression towards net zero and the energy transition. Read our full response.
UKYCCC Autumn Budget Letter 2024 to Rt Hon Rachel Reeves
On 30 October 2024, the new Chancellor, Rachel Reeves MP, laid out the Government’s first Autumn Budget, providing one of the first real insights into their plans and priorities for managing the economy over the next five years.We assessed the progress – or lack of – made in the Budget in addressing climate change and socio-economic inequalities, and argue where the Government must move faster and quicker to deliver better outcomes for people and planet. Further to this, ahead of the UK’s Autumn Budget Statement, UKYCC submitted a letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, urging the government to adopt bold measures that address climate change and socio-economic inequalities. Our proposals focused on three main pillars: aligning economic decision-making with environmental and social needs; increasing investments in the economy and environment; and redistributing wealth.
