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. We also need to ensure that we have solutions that are fair, and help people deal with rocketing energy bills.
Nov. 2022: How do we fix the energy crisis and the climate crisis?
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. On Thursday Nov. 10th Oxford Friends of the Earth are holding a major public meeting on this theme. The speakers are:
Greg Jackson is the chief executive of Octopus Energy. Greg is an excellent speaker and Octopus are one of the most active energy companies in terms of tackling the climate crisis and cost of living issues.
Tessa Khan is director of Uplift UK, a new campaigning group working on fossil fuels and energy issues. Tessa is an international climate change and human rights lawyer, campaigner and strategist. In 2019 she was named by TIME magazine as one of fifteen women leading the fight against climate change.
Zoe Sprigings is the new Chief Executive of the Oxfordshire Community Foundation that provides support to many local initiatives across the county. Until recently Zoe was a Director at the ‘C40 Global Climate Cities’ programme so she has much relevant experience.
The meeting is on Thurs. Nov. 10th at 6.15pm at the Wesley Memorial Hall in New Inn Hall St. Oxford. The meeting is also supported by other organisations as on the poster.
The meeting is likely to be very popular. We recommend that you reserve a place here: www.bit.ly/energyclimateNov15
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.