10 things the UK government must do
We have the technology, a zero emissions society is possible!
- Commit to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 – and create a clear timeline for action. By targeting 2040, the UK can show global leadership and help build climate justice.
- Launch an inclusive process to build cross-party consensus on an ambitious climate action plan to allow a consistent, coherent approach regardless of who is in and out of power over the next 20 years.
- Phase out fossil fuels fast. Follow the lead of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and stop fracking now. Stop burning coal.
- Invest in renewable energy, including on-shore and off-shore wind, powering up our clean energy supply.
- Support a nationwide programme to insulate the UK’s housing stock, allowing us to power down our energy demand.
- Transform agricultural subsidies to support a food system that is good for the environment and for our health.
- Radically increase UK tree cover and enhance other natural climate solutions like soils and peatlands.
- Invest in joined-up affordable public transport, and in better infrastructure for walking and cycling.
- Cut flights through a frequent flyer levy – and scrap the third runway at Heathrow.
- Pay our historic debts – the UK and other long-industrialised nations grew wealthy on the back of burning fossil fuels; climate justice demands that we take ambitious action now, and provide both financial and technical support for less developed countries to help with mitigation and adaptation measures.
This article first appeared in Clean Slate, the magazine of the Centre for Alternative Technology. Printed with permission.
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