The next decade is make or break for the planet and people we love. The science tells us that change is non-negotiable. However, how we go about driving that change, and for whose benefit is very much up for grabs. We are told the “green revolution”, the action we need to take to address climate change and transition to net zero, will bring opportunity, but what does this mean for us? Our jobs? Our homes? The way we get to and from places?
The transition to net zero means massive change for us all and that this is going to happen at a scale and speed that’s hard to get your head around. If the transition to net zero is to be fair, we - you, me, those of us who live, work, and play here, need to find our voices. We need to organise in our neighbourhoods, workplaces and communities for a transition that is real and relevant to the lives we live now and want to have in the future, otherwise we will all, and especially as we saw with COVID 19 those with the least, who will not only bear the cost of the transition, but may well will end up worse off.
Take the rise in energy bills, residents will see an average £693 increase in bills whilst the big oil companies that have done much to contribute to the climate crisis are seeing profits of £900 a second?
The current energy system is bad for us and the climate. But it doesn’t have to be. There are ways that we can heat and insulate homes that are fair to us all. Given the urgency for action, we need to take even the first steps in making the change to a fairer and cleaner future.
Let’s be clear, it’s not just us and what goes on in our neighbourhoods that needs to change, or learn how to do things differently, those who hold the money and positions of power also need to realise that time is up, we need to act now and change the way we invest in and grow our cities and communities.
Not one of us has all the answers, we are all learners here and we are going to have to feel our way through this one, learning from each other, challenging, and changing what has gone on before.
Who has better expertise to generate ideas that put local issues, opinions, and people at the heart of the climate agenda than the people who live, work, and play here? Yes that’s right, you, me, community groups, local businesses, climate activists – basically whoever cares about this area and wants to see a better deal for us all.
That is why we would like to invite you to come and join us in The Climate Room.
