Those who attack environmental action by calling it ‘net stupid zero’ either genuinely fail to understand the facts about the crisis that is hammering on our door, or (more likely, it appears) harbour a corruptly cynical ambition to prop up short-term fossil fuel profiteering at the expense of our long-term future. A future that will inevitably affect every single one of us, no matter where we live or the circumstances we live in.
The term Net Zero refers to a state where greenhouse gases are removed from the atmosphere as fast as they are emitted. At that point, global warming will slow significantly – but it will not stop completely because greenhouse gases are very long lived. CO2,for example, lasts for centuries, so in order to reverse global warming we will also have to remove much of the greenhouse gases that we have emitted in the recent past. Planting more trees will not be enough, and the time pressure means we will also have to devise other means of so-called Carbon Capture and Storage.
Achieving Net Zero is the essential first step towards recovering the previously stable climate that allowed our human society to flourish. It will require deep cuts in emissions, including shifting to renewable energy and reducing consumption by increasing energy efficiency.
These and other actions are included in the policies urged for by the Green Party. These measures will actually improve lives, including making our houses more comfortable and cheaper to live in, and improving our health by cleaning the air we breathe. They are not uncomfortable, costly or painful – especially when compared to the alternative which would be to continue business-as-usual and literally cook our planet.
It is clearly beyond stupid to oppose Net Zero, and no surprise that some newly elected Reform councillors have discovered that it’s best to continue spending on ‘green’ projects – because they benefit their communities, create jobs and save money. The Confederation of British Industry has reported the creation of over a million well-paid jobs in the green economy to date.
That’s Net Smart Zero for you.
Ken Huggins for Green Party
