With the upcoming COP26 UN Climate Conference in Glasgow in November, more focus is rightly being placed on what steps we can take beforehand to demonstrate global leadership in the fight against climate change.

The Prime Minister laid out his vision of a Green Industrial Revolution last year, and shortly thereafter published an Energy White Paper to set the framework for the next critical phase of renewable energy rollout. But there remain several detailed strategies of how to get there still awaiting publication, now expected in coming weeks, as part of the preparation for COP26.

Last month the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released their latest report, making clear the impact of human activity on global temperatures, and the vital need to take action to avoid a climate catastrophe.

As Chairman of the Environmental Audit Committee, I have been vocal in saying the government needs to meet rhetoric with action. The private sector, galvanised by a mix of greater awareness of environmental issues by senior management and the realisation customers expect companies to play a role in combatting climate change, is ready and willing to invest. But government needs to set a clear direction, to drive investment into net zero technologies.

Unfortunately, industry’s confidence has taken several knocks by delayed strategies and some cancellation of policies. The Green Homes Grant voucher scheme for owner occupiers to make energy efficiency improvements for their homes, since cancelled, was overly bureaucratic, and proved difficult to access for both building contractors and homeowners.

Notwithstanding this, to its credit the government has outlined significant ambition on net zero. But there are deep rooted challenges. There remains a shortage of skills in green engineering disciplines, the green automotive sector and qualified installers for energy efficiency measures like heat pumps or insulation retrofits.

The Environmental Audit Committee has undertaken a number of inquiries to help inform debate around achieving Net Zero Britain, and to provide recommendations to government on how to focus policy. Homes account for 20% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, but there is significant underestimation in government of the cost of addressing this, and we are still awaiting a Heat & Buildings Strategy.

To support the move to electric vehicles, we must invest in Gigafactory capacity for battery production and EV charging capacity, as other countries have. There have been some encouraging announcements on investment in battery plants recently. But grid connection and regulatory issues continue to hold back community energy schemes, as well as tidal power and further progress in our offshore wind sector – which has proven a real UK success story.

Of course, COP26 is an international conference, and fostering international commitments to combat climate change must be the focus. The UK has made admirable progress in cutting our emissions while growing the economy. So we are well placed to demonstrate to developing nations that combatting climate change does not mean curtailing growth or improving living standards for their citizens. The UK government must seek to be a benchmark to inspire others.

I have been promoting community engagement in COP26, including through presenting the COP26 President, Alok Sharma MP, with a community action plan from South Shropshire Climate Action. I have encouraged local schools to give pupils the opportunity to learn more about COP26 and the issues it is seeking to address. Next month I am hoping to arrange screening locally an educational film on the environment for young people.

This is going to be a major topic for coming months, so if you are interested in learning more about COP26, please visit https://ukcop26.org.