Emma Howard Boyd, Head of Socially Responsible Investment at Jupiter Asset Management and member of the Commission on Economic Markets and Environmental Performance, comments on the need for policy makers to set a framework in which businesses can continue to prosper while facilitating a move to a low carbon economy.

Commenting on today's launch of the Commission's report* by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, she said: "In the 12 months since Stern, reports such as the recent World Energy Outlook and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change highlight the increasing urgency of dealing with climate change. As the Prime Minister stated earlier today, the character and course of the coming century will be set by how we measure up to the challenge of building a global low carbon economy. Early action will not only be less expensive in the long run but will create significant business opportunities.

"It is encouraging that the Prime Minister has emphasised the need for leadership, starting with the UN Climate Conference in Bali in two weeks and highlighted energy efficiency and renewable energy as two key areas of focus. It is now crucial that policymakers take swift action to set credible long term goals that are consistent with business investment cycles. The business community needs a clear picture of where government legislation is heading in order to facilitate a move to a low carbon economy while, at the same time, ensuring industry can continue to be successful."

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:
* Emma Howard Boyd, Jupiter's head of Socially Responsible Investment, joined the Government's Commission on Environmental Markets and Economic Performance in December 2006.

The Commission was set up to investigate the likely growth of global markets in environmental goods and services over the next 20 years and identify how best the UK can exploit these opportunities. The report was launched by Prime Minister Gordon Brown today at a meeting hosted by the WWF.

Jupiter Asset Management (JAM) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and its registered address is 1 Grosvenor Place, London SW1X 7JJ. It is a subsidiary of Jupiter Investment Management Group Limited and the group is collectively known as "Jupiter".