A few of you have written to me regarding Climate
change issues.
Whilst the UK has a track record of leading the
debate around Climate change there is always more we can do whilst weighing off
the practicalities involved. Of course once we leave the EU it will be easier
to set our own rules and regulations and as World leaders in so many areas I
believe we can show the way on this too.
In
talking with Michael Gove the environment secretary he makes no bones
that urgent action is needed to tackle climate change and prepare for future
extreme weather.
In
a recent speech he said “It is only by heeding scientific warnings more keenly
than ever before that we can safeguard our planet and our species’ survival. He
went on to say “It is clear that the planet and its weather patterns are
changing before our eyes. We know, more than ever before, the urgency of
acting. These projections will give us an invaluable tool to assess the nature
and scale of the challenge we face and take decisions accordingly.”
I
agree. In my role on the Transport Committee, issues around emissions and
cleaner transport often arise. This is a key factor in UK emissions as around
one third is generated by transport. So cleaner vehicles and trains is a great
way to reduce pollution and there have been dramatic reductions in recent years.
The advent of the zero emission car on our roads is dawning and will soon be
the norm. Train operators are looking at hydrogen powered trains (again zero
emissions on the track) and it heartening to see the resounding success of our
privately owned railways where passenger numbers have doubled taking thousands
of car journeys from our roads.
I
recently met with a Bus manufacturer who has in use a fleet of hybrid buses
happily running all day using “opportunity charging” (they take a charge
automatically when stopping at bespoke bus stops). These innovations can
transform pollutions levels.
In
the air, the first all-electric prototype aircraft, after years of
experimentation has seen a dramatic breakthrough with the prospect we will one
day see zero emission flight.
From
these early but vital moves the greening of our transport is rapidly
developing.
The
news that Bristol has
declared a Climate Emergency is interesting although my concern remains that
the declaration is fruitful in producing a reduction in emissions and is not
just hot air.
Caring for our
environment is a responsibility of us all and doing something about it is key.
My involvement with Surfers against Sewage has seen the whole issue of
plastics in our seas and coastline suddenly take on huge interest from
the public at large. Many have cut out single use plastics wherever they can
and also join with me and others on beach cleans and the like. The beaches are
cleaner but more importantly the whole issue of our environment and the climate
has risen up the ladder so that there is greater awareness and action and
changing lifestyle choices.
Declarations
have their place but action is far more valuable. If anyone would like to join
our next beach clean, please subscribe to my newsletter where future dates will
be announced.
Details can be found here:
