Welcome to the newsletter everyone.
The world is getting busy again, as reflected in a more
substantial newsletter this month. We all fervently hope that the
worst of the pandemic is behind us and our thoughts are turning to
the kind of world we want to build in the future. Lets hope we
rebuild with care and respect for our planet. Boris Johnson's
pledge to get rid of 'newt counting red tape' would unfortunately
seem to show the same contempt for the natural world which has led
us into the current pandemic disaster.
The Committee on Climate Change has written to the Prime
Minister urging that he seizes the opportunity to rebuild the
economy and society in ways which move the UK towards the target of
net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
On June 25th, the Committee also published its annual progress
report on the Government's plans to reduce UK emissions. The
report is deeply critical of progress (or lack of it) over the past
12 months - see page 18 onwards, and sets out a radical action plan
for the next twelve months - page 20 onwards - if the government is
to get back on track with its 'net zero' target.
Whether a 'net zero by 2050' policy is adequate to meet the IPCC's ambition to limit global
warming to 1.5 degrees C above pre-industrial levels, is another
matter.
Meantime, there are plenty of opportunities to act locally. Have
a read and see how you would like to get involved.
Best wishes to all,
John Craythorne; newletter editor, for Sustainable Crediton