Climate Action for Associations reposted this
So what will the new Labour government do about climate change? For an answer, I've been taking another look at the interview I did at Innovation Zero with Ed Miliband, who's now Secretary of State for Energy and Net Zero. He was in opposition when we met on-stage back in May so we were still using the word 'if' but the polls were already clear about the likely outcome. Key points: A big theme is the link between fuel poverty and our dependence on high-priced fossil fuels. Clean energy, he said, is the route to tackling the cost of living crisis. That's true because wind, solar, heat pumps and insulation can displace expensive gas imports. Another very welcome message: consistent policy. No more 'capricious shifts' to please the anti-Net Zero brigade causing uncertainty for business, instead a 'North Star' of decarbonised power by 2030 so companies know what's happening and can plan. Also positive, the use of public investment to encourage private investment as part of clear strategy involving the whole government. Including the Treasury. Ed Miliband wants more rooftop solar, benefits for communities hosting renewables and regulators to have a Net Zero mandate. He'll look at regional pricing - an appealing idea promoted by Greg Jackson of Octopus Energy. We'll have to see how much of this actually happens, especially the trickier - but valuable - ideas like obliging companies to have transition plans to keep global warming to 1.5C. Will there be penalties if they don't, I asked. He wasn't clear on that or on whether there'd be tariffs on cheap Chinese electric cars. He was confident UK manufacturers would rise to the challenge. OK. Two observations: Ed Miliband brings a wealth of experience to the job - and humour. Innovation Zero, he said, was a 'Glastonbury for energy nerds', counting himself as one. And backstage it was good to see him comfortable with Greg Jackson. Gone are the days of Boris Johnson saying "F*** business". This is a government that seems to embrace the people trying to deliver fast-paced change. Of course there's a world of difference between bold statements in opposition and the gritty challenges and trade-offs of power. But anything after the flip-flopping and culture wars of the last lot would be an improvement and this really feels like a bright new start. We badly need one. https://lnkd.in/erdd3uFU
Keynote Interview: The Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP | Main Stage Day 2
https://www.youtube.com/
Adam Bastock
2w
Regional pricing combined with local community energy schemes feels like such a win win situation. Not an easy policy to get right I imagine but the potential to unlock positive feedback loops of renewable deployment would do wonders for decarbonisation and getting people on board with the transition
There are 2 problems with this David. FIRSTLY, 'clean energy' costs follow a U-curve. Over time they will only become more expensive. Because the access to critical minerals needed for the metal intensive capture, conversion, storage and distribution of sun & wind, does not follow traditional scale curves. Both geo-politics & ore density will drive costs up. Not down! Last month l moderated a panel with global experts that explained why: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDoFA_F-AT8 SECINDLY, it still comes as a surprise to many that 'Net-Zero by 2050', in fact means that for 26 years to come we are planning to increase cumulative emissions beyond already dangerous levels. A bit odd, isn't it. CONCLUSION: our Energy Metabolism must (and will) come down. Insulation, NetZero homes, smaller cars (not necessarily EV's) are what's needed. In short Energy Efficiency and focus on Nega-Watts (the energy we do not need/use). Government better plan this transition in a civilised & peaceful way, otherwise it will be imposed by Physics. https://www.EnergyAndStuff.org/en
Clive Wilson
2w
What we need is an enhanced electricity grid infrastructure with sub stations that allow as many as possible private and community owned green energy suppliers to sell into. This would create the opportunity for new larger scale urban and rural energy production and would meet the demand for new business as well as meet the electric transport demand.
Ashvin Suri
2w
David Shukman great to see a Ed take on this role. A much needed positive change. However, I do not agree with is comment below. In fact, it is comments like these that reduce the overall 'society ownership and responsibility' for the environment. Innovation zero, IS JUST NOT FOR THE ENERGY NERDS. IT IS FOR EVERY INDIVIDUAL, EVERY FAMILY THAT CONSUMES POWER'. ALL 8 BILLION OF US ARE ENERGY NERDS! "Innovation Zero, he said, was a 'Glastonbury for energy nerds', counting himself as one."
David Shukman thank you for sharing. The biggest hurdle to the renewable energy transition with heat pumps in the UK is the unfairly high retail price of electricity and that must be changed by the government. Without this change, adoption of heat pumps using renewable electricity is unlikely to be taken up seriously.
Brilliant. I have to say I was dubious about Kier Starmer but I'm now feeling refreshed and hopeful about the new government's approach to climate and the net zero transition. The statements and policies from Ed Miliband are a breath of fresh air. It was great to see the immediate lifting of the ban on onshore wind too.
We should all commend those who but into cult based policy development, ignoring pre legislative scrutiny conditional on robust science.
Frank Hayden
2w
Breakthrough climate technology to help you reduce energy waste… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTtpWytUCkI Jonathan Fenning www.aspira.co
Sustainability ecologist
2wOne of the big differences between Miliband and other ministers for environment and climate, and the Sunak-sponsored ministers is that the Labour lot have done some research into what is really happening. The Conservatives were still stuck in the policy-gut-feeling first, 'facts second and cherry-picked to support policy' way of thinking. The new government can provide some hope in terms of practical and economic action and leadership internationally.