The Big Ask Climate Debate comments_49 July 2008
I have recently watch the film 'An Inconvenient Truth' and I would like to say how much I admire a high profile politician for sticking his neck out on the issue of our collective futures no less. The road ahead may be difficult even if we all became carbon neutral tomorrow. Nobody says it's going to be easy, or inexpensive, steering our giant industrial economies to a greener future, but we must!
At an individual level, I believe that with the increasing awareness of climate issues via the media and the immediacy that is clearly necessary to minimise the negative impacts, people are now asking, what can I do? Show me the options clearly, without prejudice, and I will make my choices…
The most important response from the government and media is to put in place an accessible and empowering educational programme that will allow families to truly participate in reducing their carbon footprints voluntarily. Voluntary action through education will be of course further assisted by legislation and targets (and we all know how much we all love that word). I have no doubt that amongst those of us who have the financial means to change in the short-term, there is for the most part the will to change. Even among low income families there are decisions that can be made regarding lifestyle that will cost less money but perhaps a little more effort.
Let us be clear that the less visible the efforts from our local governments appear to be, the less like that the populous will actively participate in change. If I had a 4x4 for use in the town, I would soon give it up if it was taxed off the road. That would make it a real 'off road vehicle'.
There is a lot of confusion that is hindering individual efforts. My questions as a homeowner (who is not already active in the more informed environmental lobby) might be:
- Why would I invest in solar heating for my business / house when it costs so much and I have no idea about the costs of maintenance, insurance and how much it might offset my bills in the future. I might make the leap if I know more about the long term options and possible tax breaks / benefits. Can I contact my utility company for some answers?
- How do I calculate my family / business Carbon Footprint? I know that it is possible and I would be happy to do the sums, but where can I get the information concerning the number of units of gas, electricity etc. that we consume? Is there an online facility or public service to assist my calculations and energy management?
- How might I easily record the number of car / bike miles we do each week and incorporate this into my carbon calculations?
- Once I have calculated the estimation of our carbon footprint, how does it compare to the national average for a family of our size? What might we do to reduce it, and can we easily measure the positive impacts? The reward will be to see ‘on paper' that we are making a difference however small the increments.
It is very important that we are provided with the tools now to make environmental and financial decisions. If they exist already, where are they and how can we the public get access to them. With the choices laid down on the table and with the tools to implement them, hopefully we can all take pride, knowing that we are actively reducing our negative impact on the environment. Any extra costs incurred will be money well spent â€" after all is it not another way ‘saving' for our children's future.
Regardless of the ongoing dialogue with the US, Australia, India, China, Russia etc â€" as a citizen of the UK and Europe I wish to do my part to reduce my impact on the environment and I'm not alone. For a start I don't expect the Dutch wish to live underwater and neither do I. I have recently watch the film 'An Inconvenient Truth' and I would like to say how much I admire a high profile (academic) politician for sticking his neck out on the issue of our collective futures no less. The road ahead may be difficult even if we all became carbon neutral tomorrow. Nobody says its going to be easy steering our industrial economies to a greener future, but we must!
James Boyd
Why are you planning to tax the end users for using fossil fuels when most of us have no alternative, the producers are the one's who should be getting it sorted. WHY DOSE EVERY GOVERMENT, PRODUCER JUST GO OUT TO MAKE SHED LOADS OF MONEY OUT OF THE PUBLIC.
We all try to be green, get a system sorted and we will use it.
Ken Bartlett
When talking about renewable energy etc. why aren't massive and truly ambitious initiatives being considered. For instance:
1) Make it mandatory for homes (especially new ones) to have solar panels or solar tiles installed on their roofs. Although there is a carbon cost involved in manufacture, surely with the economy of scale this impact would be reduced, new techniques for manufacture would enhance production, new technology (with more R&D) would enhance efficiency, costs would fall dramatically, jobs would be created installing & maintaining, communities, villages & towns would effectively become power stations, the reliance on other forms of energy production would be reduced, CO2 emmissions as well. This kind of activity would be best lead by a government willing to invest a large sum into subsidising and directing the activity - the country would truly lead the world in renewable energy production. If businesses were involved too imagine the scale of the Solar Power that could be produced just from using the roofs of our buildings.
2) Instead of spending £10 billion plus on nuclear (which although certainly one way to go) spend it on subsidising farming to produce oils crops. Subsidise the production of bio-diesel & bio-ethanol. Subsidise heavy investment into longer term R&D for oil production from bio-renewables (such as oil producing algae). This oil could also be used in power stations etc. Heavy investment from the government and all the current oil companys supplying this country (even a fraction of their profits would do) would soon see the country become less reliant on crude oil.
3) Invest in R&D on reclamation technology for all power stations, businesses, homes (stirling engines for example). This is one way to make the production of energy more efficient. If nuclear power stations are created have them include such technology to maximise the scavenging of all heat from the energy production cycle.
There are many more that could be considered and driven by the government with the proviso that it is on a grand scale i.e. on "The Moon landings" scale. For instance: A grand statement and plan from the government to get all homes & businesses equipped with solar panels within 5 years, to half (or more) the reliance on crude oil within 10 years, to ensure all power stations are 95% efficient and carbon neutral within 10 years. This might cost £50 billion...or more, but spread out over the 5 - 10 years the effect would be enormous to this country's economy and global position.
There is nothing wrong with being ambitious if the end result is attained. It IS time to spend large amounts of money ensuring the world remains as we know it today. It IS time for the UK to become a world leader again - to unilaterally show the rest of the world how to clean up their act.
Robin Green
Climate change - you would have to be blind, deaf and dumb not to notice the effects which have in essence been 'gathering moss' since the dawn of the industrial revolution. We can all congratulate the current government in waking up the nation to the issue but why has it taken so long? Why were present and past governments allowed to foster the public and consumers selfish desires (of which the writer assumes responsibility for being part of the latter collective)?
Yes we can congratulate ourselves that we have progressed as a 'western world' with other nations aspiring to the same comforts and desires but at what cost? It remains ironic that few world governments are reacting to a global problem without the consensus of the majority. Is it truly acceptable to trade carbon emissions as the global answer, shouldn't we be delivering a message of selflessness and be pro-active in this approach by reducing our own personal consumption?
How many more disasters will it take with the loss and suffering of human life to ensure the global community recognises that selfishness costs more that just rebuilding roads, buildings, defences, skin ailments and so on?
Why does the current government expect the developing world to reduce it's emissions in their quest to attain the comfort levels we currently have in Britain â€" we have left our mark in our quest therefore are we now judging others for crimes which we have already committed? Why is the current 'Anglo-American' world power so divided in responding to global worming - are we 'in bed' with a nation who dictates authority but proves false to its power?
Government is about votes and power. The power to act and control is only as beneficial as the instigators motives. Governments come and governments go, each with their own policies - how long will this one last?
Recycling - why is it that as we enter 2007 all household rubbish cannot be segregated for recycling collection. Granted there are certain local authorities which are keen to exploit this avenue but this is not across the board. Personally in our borough we have paper and glass collections' what about plastics which make up an inordinate amount of our food packaging (of which should also be addressed with the main supermarkets), what about tins? Wake up to all the avenues with a passionate enthusiasm and lead by example, this is an avenue which in itself could be instigated and actioned very quickly, it provides a basis for domestic awareness and education for which the next generation will exercise without a conscious effort. ACT NOW!!! not just for the next vote.
P Upton
Agree entirely with Juniper. Cowardise at the heart of all major governments of this World is to blame for our lack of movement toward a sustainable future. They all seem to think people will be too short sighted to accept a short term stagnation of the economy and wealth to secure longterm sustainability. We're not. We're ready. They're not.
Ian Hughes
A mandatory deposit system on cans and bottles would have a massive and immediate impact on (a) recycling of waste, (b) littering, and (c) greenhouse gas emissions (aluminium production from recycled material requires 5% of the energy needed for production from virgin material, for example). The only group that has ever opposed such a move is the soft drinks and beer manufacturers. Why has the UK government consistently ignored this solution?
Gareth Clubb
Without a viable alternative it seems unfair to punitively punish people for using cars to get around - you can't expect them to reduce their social mobility just because of the threat of climate change. Bold policy making is needed in this area - without surrendering too far to the car industry lobby. Strict standards (note: not targets) for the introduction of electrically powered and Hydrogen powered cars must be set (e.g. 25% within 10 years on new cars sold). BMW has recently shown a positive lead by producing a Hydrogen powered version of their 7 series luxury car - surely a good example of ecologically and business friendly transport brought together? If this is possible technically then it must be made a reality on the ground. Such moves rely on decent infrastructure - as a governmental concern. Linking strict quotas of electrical or alternatively fuelled cars with the development of a national system of refuelling/ charging stations wont scare the car industry off - they will merely adapt to the market and continue to make just as much money following a short sharp shock for compliance to the new standards. Although the investment required will be significant â€" in new sources of electricity for cars and for producing alternative fuels, this is a positive step for the public. They will benefit from lower emissions with a fair system which maintains social mobility and does not result in punitive financial punishment for merely wanting to get around. This system should go hand in hand with a decent and affordable public transport system nationwide to provide further alternatives. Ordinary people should not be unfairly punished for what is in essence an industry and governmental issue, although they should expect to share some of the cost of compliance via general taxation. Transport differs to home energy use in this respect where there is a much greater degree of social responsibility for the individual.
Owen Bethell
As well as industry, individuals need to help use resources more efficiently. If the goverment was to reduce the VAT charge on products that helped the enviroment. i.e Hybrid cars, energy saving light bulbs, dual flush systems, solar panels or other energy saving appliances this would speed up the UK responce. Showing the right example to other countries.
Dean Rance
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