Why Politics Matters to achieve Zero Carbon Britain 2030 Ian Care 10th Oct 2015

Getting to Zero Carbon Britain The Need What our leaders have achieved What our leaders are undoing…… What we can do Summary

The Need for ZCB 2030 Climate Change Migrations Conflict Societal Structure © telegraph.co.uk The need to pursue Zero Carbon Britain is now more obvious than ever since the 2030 was announced. We are already seeing the consequences of not PoweringDown and inadequate PoweringUp of renewable and alternative energy sources. This is demonstrated through: Climate change: weather records broken almost every month in every country. Two months rain in two days in South of France last month causing more floods and deaths. Heatwaves and droughts in parts of USA and northern Africa. Migrations: Four years of drought in Syria moved people from countryside into the cities leading to Conflict: Conflict leads to further migrations. Conflict and migration lead to polarisation and Societal changes: such as attitudes, employment, job security. The wake up call has been issued. I am sure we will get another one this winter….. © wikifoundry

What have the politicians achieved? Britain world leader in offshore wind and tidal Doubling of Installed Solar Initiated research into carbon capture & storage Green Deal on insulation & efficiency A lot was achieved nationally by the last coalition government, who put renewables as a priority in the DECC agenda. This was a positive initiative.

What have the politicians achieved? Cycle facilities Eco Hub Solar roofs Low energy housing Not just nationally, but also locally a difference can be made. These are some examples I know about.

What are politicians doing now? Using planning to stop new wind farms Dash for shale gas Scrapping feed-in tariffs Subsidising fossil fuels Fuel poverty increasing In contrast to the previous government, nationally many of the initiatives appear to be getting undone. Good things that were started are being stopped or reversed. Should we stand by and let them do this?

What can we do? Campaign & lobby for ZCB Get elected - become a decision maker Remember to vote Be an active part of your neighbourhood Change things at work Support groups working towards ZCB Encourage friends and family We are not powerless in all of this. We (collectively) voted for these politicians. We need to take some responsibility for what they are doing. If only to remember next election that the person and their actions may be more important than the colour of their rosette. 1. Consider being a local politician to influence how and where the council spends its resources and what the priorities are. Some of your projects may get enacted! 2. Be an active part of your neighbourhood groups, attend the council consultations. Support things that you approve of. Be a member of the neighbourhood forum. 3. Lobby the local politicians, work with groups who provide a vision for the future of your community. 4. What changes can you make at work, your church, scout group, where you volunteer 5. Support groups (like CAT) working to find local and national (and international) solutions.

Engaging politically is one way we can help make a difference.