Yesterday was Earth Day an event marked across the world by people who are concerned about the future of our planet and the impact of climate change. But apparently this does not include our political leaders who did not even make reference to climate change in their press conferences.
To mark Earth Day the world scientists again published what they think needs to be done:
- Limiting global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius
- Keeping future CO2 emissions below 1,000 gigatonnes (billion tonnes)
- Creating a zero-carbon society by 2050
- Equity of approach – with richer countries helping poorer ones
- Technological research and innovation
- A global strategy to address loss and damage from climate change
- Safeguarding ecosystems such as forests and oceans that absorb CO2
- Providing climate finance for developing countries.
The stark warning they gave is that if we do not take collective action by 2020 then it will be too late. That’s five years. Why is this not featuring in the political debates? why aren’t politicians squabbling over what to do? This is THE issue of our day and yet no-one, not even the Greens, are taking a lead in our political discourse because it is not seen as a vote winner.
So what has this got to do with Newbury? moreover what can I as an individual do? When faced with such a big problem it can appear too daunting to even make a start, so we tend to drive it from our minds and concentrate on something else.
Well we can do something at a local level: we can ensure that all our new housing is built to the highest energy efficiency standards, and if necessary the local authorities should step forward and build sustainable homes that are affordable for all. We should build taller rather than outwards to protect our agricultural land when globally the land footprint for growing crops is shrinking because of climate change. We should build sustainably so that people can walk rather than drive to the main amenities and their places of work. The days of forever expanding the town’s footprint are over unless the infrastructure can be put in place whereby outlying areas can be self sufficient without relying on the car.
This is why the battle over Sandleford is so important, it is our chance to start to act responsibly and to ensure that our actions today do not have a negative impact on the future.
This is why I am standing, if a sufficient number of you vote for me it will drive a message to Richard Benyon and the Council that people are concerned and want action taken.
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