Let's prepare a future we can be proud of.
- Hamish Blair
- Jan 23, 2017
- 4 min read
We are now three weeks in to the new year, and so far 2017 has provided a welcoming, comfortable foundation on which we can build our hopes and aspirations. In a previous article we reviewed the positive stories and results from 2016, to try and bring some balance to the widely-stated view that 2016 can ‘do one’. There were many things to be cheerful of, from investment in renewables to the saving of the panda. However the eagerness for reflection which comes with the turn of the year should be put to one side now, and the focus shifted on to action. Global action.
The media's column inches focused on the topics of climate change and the human impact upon the environment increased significantly in the past 12 months, particularly on the front pages: from reports on polar ice caps, disappearing islands in the pacific, to a worrying report that indicates our current estimates of global temperature increases maybe wholly inadequate. With a new US President now in office, one for whom climate change is a subject to be dismissed or trivialised depending on his audience, it is more important than ever for us to heed the facts and take action. There is no fake news here, even if reported on CNN or Buzzfeed. It is a very real possibility that we have passed the tipping point of irreversible impact upon the environment, and that we will see fundamentally life-changing results from our actions. The polar icecaps, for example, are a key cog in global weather patterns influencing the jet streams and currents that determine weather patterns worldwide. These caps are becoming younger each year which increases their vulnerability. The icecaps are also getting smaller. Recent reports show that the Larsen C ice shelf - a 5,000 sq km block of ice in the Antarctic - is about to become one of the biggest icebergs in history as it sheers off from the main ice mass.
It all sounds pretty terrifying right? Global problems on a catastrophic scale, what possible influence can we have as individuals? Well, recent political events have shown that the will of the people can have a profound effect. This must be our motivation and inspiration for addressing climate change. Politics has thrown up results that defied expectation, with the EU referendum and the election of Donald Trump hailed as victories ‘for the people’ and against the establishment. These events have delighted and shocked equal numbers of people, heralding significant and unpredictable change. And they represent the capability to achieve remarkable and galvanising outcomes when people work together.
When considering the subject of this article in the cold glow of politics it is vital that we rise above the machinations of our governments. It is not for political wrangling this future of ours. At no point should the considerations of (and lobbying by) the oil and gas industries be met or pandered to. These industries, as two examples, are in the past and if they aren’t willing to work towards our future then they shouldn’t be part of it. Renewable sources are the key to our energy demands and we need to drive towards a majority supply from these sources as a matter of urgency.
What can each of us do to achieve this? There are many avenues to explore, no matter your age, situation, or financial capabilities. You can switch your energy provider to a green energy company. If you own your own home you can consider how your energy is created and managed (installing an automated heating device can reduce your heating bills by up to 60%). You can use social media to share news. You can encourage the company you work for to recycle, or turn off computers over-night. You can write to your MP to express your desire for more action on renewable energy and to find out their stance.
Governments do have a key role to play, as seen in China where the government has invested more money into renewables than oil, gas and coal combined (and thereby putting the incoming US President’s attitude to coal firmly in the spotlight). Recently the UK Government granted license and funding for fracking in Lancashire, with an estimated £1.8 billion of tax-payers money to be invested. The stupidity of the decision to invest such a sum of money into fossil fuels instead of renewables is so clear that it is startling. For this sum of money it would be possible to install solar panels on all non-visible roofs in London, with change left over, and thereby provide clean electricity to the entire city. A benefit felt by many with no side effects. Theresa May’s government have paid lip-service to the renewable energy sector while their actions speak otherwise. It is my hope that our PM and government see sense, and quickly.
In summary, it is on us to make the difference. Some reports and statistics make for worrying reading, but we cannot alter the past. The sum of small changes for the better made by many will be overpowering. Let's prepare a future that we can be proud of.
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