Kate writes a bi-weekly column for the Burton Mail. This column was originally featured in the 23rd September print edition.
This week (18–26 September) is Great Big Green Week, a national week celebrating action on climate change and encouraging others to take part in the drive to achieve net zero by 2050. I am pleased that this is taking place before the UN’s Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November in Glasgow to encourage further awareness of the key issues surrounding climate change.
Achieving net-zero carbon emissions will eliminate the UK's contribution to climate change, and is a critical task that all governments across the world have to grapple with—but it is also important that world leaders, politicians and environmental activists take the public with them on this. This is too important an issue, and we must work together for the benefit of all.
Earlier this week I met with constituents to discuss this important policy area, and to highlight the UK Government's plans to tackle climate change. The UK is taking world-leading steps to combat global warming, and the Government recently made a number of announcements to drive the UK’s ambition to achieve net zero by 2050 and increase investment in renewable energy sources.
This includes the Government’s recent £160 million investment in offshore wind, along with the publication of the UK’s first ever Hydrogen Strategy, designed to unleash the potential of this low carbon alternative. Locally, Staffordshire global brand JCB is developing zero-carbon hydrogen combustion engines to power the vehicles of tomorrow.
Protecting and enhancing our environment is also key to a more sustainable future. The Government’s landmark Environment Bill—which is currently going through the House of Lords—will introduce legally-binding targets to halt biodiversity loss by 2030; bring in measures to improve air quality; and reduce sewage discharge into rivers.
This is a hugely exciting and hopeful time for our environment and the UK’s effort to tackle climate change. To find out more about the Great Big Green Week and how you can get involved visit greatbiggreenweek.com.
