UK homes account for around 15% of our CO2 emissions. A combination of improved energy efficiency and on-site renewable energy would reduce this, as was set out in the zero carbon homes plan, abandoned in 2016. In 1998 a reduced 5% VAT rate was introduced for energy-saving materials such as solar panels, but this didn't … Continue reading The Treasury vs Net Zero Carbon
After being asked to stand in at short notice and give a presentation to my local Labour Party on Labour's 'Green' policy I spent a few hours trawling the internet and writing notes in preparation. I have written previously about the importance of crystal clear messaging and the need to present a radical alternative to … Continue reading So what exactly is Labour’s Green policy?
The looming climate disaster is the most pressing issue of our times. The failure to meet the challenge will lead to a domino effect. Numerous other issues, such as climate induced migration, water scarcity, food shortages, ocean acidity, threats to biodiversity and both financial and political shocks will threaten the fabric of societies across the … Continue reading It’s time to slash the VAT on domestic solar energy
As the media gives extensive coverage to the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report containing its stark warnings of what lies ahead, it's difficult not to despair at the scale of the challenge we face. As a child at the end of the Cold War, I'd occasionally have vivid dreams about nuclear armageddon. Now, … Continue reading Are we up to the challenge of the climate emergency?
The impact of the looming climate disaster will potentially dwarf that of the current pandemic unless urgent steps are taken to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. While we may point the finger at countries like China and the USA, it doesn't absolve the UK from taking actions within its control. The current growth in air … Continue reading CO2 traffic light labelling for domestic travel emissions
The government's Levelling Up Fund prospectus published in March 2021 sets out how the Department for Transport (DfT), the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, and the Treasury will invest £4.8 billion in 'high value infrastructure'. The foreword by Rishi Sunak states how this funding will remove the silos between departments allowing local authorities … Continue reading Roads 1 Step-Free Access 0?
With time running out to deal with the looming climate emergency, it is vital that we create an integrated, accessible and affordable transport network to encourage and incentivise a shift away from reliance on the car. A 'fit for purpose' cycling network is just one example of the infrastructure required to enable this, but like … Continue reading Why has cycling lost its way in Bedfordshire?
Below is the response that I finally received from Cllr Jamieson, leader of Central Bedfordshire Council on 9th September regarding the bus cuts to the 85/85A and 188/190 bus services due to take place from 30th September. I'd like to say it was a personal letter, but the reality is that as other people have … Continue reading More buses not more cuts!
As a child completely obsessed by all things weather related, I first came across the concept of 'global warming' while reading a book which contained a chapter entitled 'Fire or Ice?'. At that time in the late 1970's there was actually some uncertainty about which type of climate emergency we were heading for, as there … Continue reading What lies ahead – and how we can stop it
Julian Vaughan 