Zero Carbon Britain 2030 - in case you missed it!

Could we really have zero emissions from fossil fuels in the next 20 years? It's technically feasible according to Tobi Kellner, Researcher at the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), Machynlleth.

Tobi's presentation "Zero Carbon Britain 2030" at Staffordshire University, 6th March, shared a strong vision for the future including:

• Powering Down through more energy efficient housing and electrification of transport
• Powering Up to achieve 100% UK generated power from a mix of renewables including offshore and onshore wind, solar and bio-mass.
• Changes to land and agriculture to accommodate more biomass fuels and less livestock.
• Behavioural changes to eat less meat, walk and cycle more, live closer to work.

Tobi demonstrated how the variability of power generated from solar and wind can be overcome by dispatchable backup - power stations using bio and synthetic gas that can be turned on and off on demand.

There are huge challenges to achieving this vision not least of which is the cost. However, balanced against this is the increasing cost and dependency of buying fossil fuels from abroad. Benefits include the creation of green jobs here in the UK and diversification away from the banking and service based economy.

A fascinating lecture, followed by a lively Q&A. Over 30 people signed letters to their MP asking for a 2030 decarbonisation target to be included in the Energy Bill. Please take a moment to send your own letter if you haven't already done so - it really is important. Click http://forum.foe.co.uk/campaignhubs/index.php?action=media;sa=item;in=1000 for a template.

Check out the Zero Carbon Britain website to find out more about CAT and download the report.

http://www.zerocarbonbritain.com/