Climate change and carbon reduction
In June 2019, the UK Government passed a new law
that commits the UK to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. The UK’s 2050 net zero target was recommended by the Committee on Climate Change, the UK’s independent climate advisory body.
But what is Climate change?
Carbon Reduction
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a type of greenhouse gas which contributes to climate change. It is the largest contributor and is released when fossil fuels like gas and coal are burnt.
Carbon emission are released when we use fuels like gas, oil, LPG and electricity from coal stations.
Ofgem
Ofgem is the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets they work with Government, industry and consumer groups to deliver a net zero economy at the lowest cost to consumers.
“By 2025, Ofgem’s vision is for an energy system to be digitally enabled and on track for net-zero, decarbonising at lowest cost, and with protections for the vulnerable”.
For the UK to meet its ambitious target homes will need to be better insulated, more low carbon heating installed and more renewable energy used to power our homes. Gas boilers will need to be replaced by clean alternatives like hydrogen and heat pumps to heat our homes and businesses. It is also important for all of us to be more efficient with the energy we use at home.
Green Electricity Tariffs
A green tariff means that some or all of the electricity you buy is ‘matched’ by purchases of renewable energy that your energy supplier makes on your behalf. These could come from a variety of renewable energy sources such as wind farms and hydroelectric power stations. Some green supply tariffs are also nuclear-free.
Your supplier should let you know what sources are included in the mix, and also what proportion of your supply is renewable. Some tariffs will be ‘100% renewable’, others will offer a percentage of the total. However, some green tariff supplies are greener than others in terms of how much they directly support investment in the UK renewables industry. Remember for some, a cheaper non green tariff may be more appropriate.
Green electricity tariffs | Centre for Sustainable Energy (cse.org.uk)
Looking to the future
For the UK to make the changes needed to get to net zero there are many challenges ahead. The UK Government has released the Sustainable warmth: protecting vulnerable households in England policy document strategy which is designed to ensure that people in fuel poverty have access to affordable, low-carbon warmth as we transition to net zero and work toward our fuel poverty target.
Climate Change West Sussex
Based on the Met office 2018 predictions, West Sussex County Council predict some of the impacts of climate change in West Sussex may include more frequent and intense flooding, drought, episodes of extreme heat and stormier conditions.
- an increase in heat-related deaths (particularly amongst the elderly)
- reduced availability of drinking water
- increased cost of food
- sea level rises
- greater coastal erosion
- an impact on coastal habitats and wetlands.
West Sussex County Council Climate Change Strategy
To find out what your local council is doing to mitigate the risks of climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions select from the list below:
