Charlotte Owen appointed vice president at Better Earth consultancy

Charlotte Owen, now Baroness Owen of Alderley Edge, has been appointed vice president of Better Earth, an environmental consultancy co-chaired by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. This appointment follows her controversial elevation to the House of Lords at the age of 30, making her the youngest peer in the UK. Owen's background does not include experience in environmental work, raising questions about her qualifications for the role. Better Earth aims to contribute to global decarbonisation and is still in the process of becoming fully operational. Boris Johnson, who became chair of Better Earth in May, emphasized the importance of combining efforts to reduce greenhouse gases with economic growth and job creation. The consultancy also features Chris Skidmore, a former net zero tsar, as its chief operating officer, indicating a strong political connection within the organization. Johnson's appointment was scrutinized, and he received guidance from the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments regarding potential conflicts of interest. Owen's appointment has sparked political controversy, with critics labeling Johnson's honours list as a means of rewarding allies. In her first speech in the Lords, she expressed gratitude towards Johnson for his trust and support. Recently, she announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at criminalizing deepfake pornography, highlighting her commitment to addressing issues affecting women. The developments surrounding Owen's career and her new role at Better Earth reflect ongoing debates about political patronage and the qualifications of individuals in influential positions. As the consultancy prepares to launch, its impact on environmental initiatives remains to be seen.