Join the ‘Essential Elements’ Statement

zerocarbonbritain2030: Essential Elements to Rapid Decarbonisation

Throughout human existence societies have faced many challenges. The scale and scope of the challenges now faced is greater than any in recorded history. A changing climate; diminishing fossil fuel reserves and rising energy demands are inter-connected problems that demand common solutions.

zerocarbonbritain2030 is a positive, realistic vision for a society without fossil fuels, grounded in the latest climate science. Produced by the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT), the report is the first fully integrated solution to climate change and energy security for Britain. It demonstrates that society and our quality of life could thrive, whilst keeping Britain’s net greenhouse gas emissions at zero.

• A transition to zero emissions in Britain is possible, and will create an aspirational and vibrant society.

• Britain is a long industrialised country and has been burning fossil fuels for 150 years. We have a responsibility to set a global lead, and we have the means to deliver it.

There are many ways to get there. The zerocarbonbritain2030 report recommends the following essential elements to rapid decarbonisation:

Power Down:

• A massive retrofit and the insulation of buildings to reduce heat demand.
• A shift from private to public transport.
• The electrification of the transport system.
• An end to domestic and large cuts to international aviation.

Power up:

• Meet 100% of energy needs from renewable sources, eliminating the need for fossil fuels or new nuclear.

Land Use:

• A shift towards a healthier diet through a dramatic reduction in meat and dairy products, particularly ruminant livestock, that will free up land for food, sequestration and fuel.

Behavioural Change:

• Cultural and educational interventions that raise awareness of the issues and solutions to bring about a zero carbon Britain.

Policy and Economics:

• A new international framework, based on Contraction and Convergence.
• A new national policy framework that ensures equitable access to energy for all
• A ‘Green New Deal’ to create long term jobs that will expand skills and fund new infrastructure.
• Adoption of a ‘Robin Hood’ financial transaction tax to fund the transition.
• Deliberate reconstruction of the UK economy to one that is stable, resilient and exists within the world’s ecological limits.

The solutions to the climate, energy and the economic crisis already exist. We need a confident popular movement to inform, inspire and enable a zero carbon future. This is a call to join us in working towards a zero carbon Britain.

It’s time to say we will!

Sign the zerocarbonbritain2030 Essential Elements Statement.

There are many ways to get to zero. We aim to find connections and cohesions between affiliating organisations that agree with the overall message for a zero carbon Britain by 2030.