It has never been clearer – we need to act urgently to tackle climate change. That means action by governments, by businesses, by councils and by all of us. We need clear plans and strong solutions.
April 2022: Tackling the ‘energy crisis’ locally: what do we do?
We’re in the midst of a major gas crisis. The cost of energy to heat and power our homes is skyrocketing, pushing millions more people into hardship. At the same time fossil fuel companies announce record profits. It’s unjust and unfair, and we can’t let it stand. We need to act at a national level as well as locally.
As a flrst step we need to counter misleading messages and bring together practical action to help people cut their bills with political action that can save energy, save money and cut carbon. There are actions that the government must take, and there is work that we can do to make that happen. Read our briefing note here:
https://www.oxfoe.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Tackling-the-energy-crisis-in-2022.docx
Climate Action across Oxfordshire
Oxford Friends of the Earth has been acting on climate change for over a decade. We have organised and run many events, lobbied our MPs and councillors, and worked to build local engagement. We welcome anyone who would like to work with us (email climate@oxfoe.co.uk). You can sign up to our free monthly mailing by clicking here:
Our current work includes:
- Working with others across the UK to oppose new fossil fuel developments.
- Campaigning against new road plans in south Oxfordshire, and pushing the county council for a strong zero-carbon transport policy – see: https://www.oxfoe.co.uk/climate-action/zero-carbon-travel-in-oxfordshire
- Follow-up work on the UN COP 26 Climate Conference.
- Oxfordshire Zero Carbon Homes Initiative – we want to see all new homes built in Oxfordshire to be ‘net zero’ from 2023: https://www.oxfoe.co.uk/oxford-friends-of-the-earth/climate-action/ozchi/
- ‘In case of emergency…’ is our report on what Oxfordshire councils have done to tackle the climate crisis in the two years since they declared a ‘climate emergency’ – it makes recommendations on what they need to do now. Download it here: Oxfordshire Councils Climate Action Report
In 2022 we will be doing a second report – your inputs welcome! - Our ‘Fast Forward Oxfordshire’ report that shows how Oxford can change for the better and what needs to happen- published in 2019 – www.oxfoe.co.uk/fastforward/
What needs to happen?
If we are to limit global warming to 1.5°C we need urgent action to achieve Zero Carbon (Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions) or ‘Carbon Neutrality’ in the UK. The economic costs and benefits of tackling climate change far outweigh the costs of failing to do so.
For starters there are five things the government must do to make the UK carbon neutral:
1. Phase out polluting cars by 2030
2. Generate eight time more renewable electricity than we do at present
3. Shift from natural gas in heating
4. Double tree cover
5. Halve food waste by 2030
For more information read here.
This requires national action across all sectors, with commitment from government, business and society to a radical transformation of the economy. Many cities, towns and counties are setting ‘carbon neutral’ goals. These will also need big changes if they are to deliver on that target but it is not yet clear how those changes will happen, or what the priorities should be for local action.
The push for rapid change is likely to come from civil society – from local people and organisations who understand the need for change. If we are to have the greatest possible impact we need to be well-organised and clear on how we push for change.