Net (Stupid) Zero!??

Parties on the right of politics are trying to win votes by pretending that we don’t need to worry about reducing the greenhouse gases we put into the atmosphere. The views of Liberal Democrats,, small businesses, trade unions, the Confederation of British Industries (certainly not eco-warriors) and the large majority of voters say they are totally wrong.

Here’s why: The UK’s growing green economy is currently worth more than £100bn a year. Net zero industry accounts for more than a million jobs, with half a trillion pounds in investment in the pipeline, the large majority from businesses, not the government. The net zero economy is growing three times faster than the rest of the UK’s economy. 

Clean power and decarbonisation are already a significant and growing part of the UK’s industrial base. Across energy, manufacturing, services and supply chains, the UK has the expertise to build on this strength and capture even greater commercial opportunities.

About 308,000 people are employed directly in businesses such as solar panel installation, home insulation, wind turbine manufacturing and electric vehicles. When their supply chains and related businesses are taken into account, this reaches 1.1m jobs.

About 22,000 small businesses around the UK are engaged in activities based on the push to cut greenhouse gas emissions and boost renewable energy.

At a time when the UK must strengthen energy security and drive growth, the net zero economy is becoming central to the country’s future competitiveness. The UK cannot afford to step back from an industry already contributing £100bn to the economy and with huge future growth potential.

As Britain faces another fossil fuel shock, the best way to shield households and businesses is by accelerating electrification and clean, homegrown power that we control. What businesses and communities are delivering across the country is a success story

Liberal Democrats know that we cannot ignore the challenge of the climate crisis and leave our children to pick up the bill for climate change. That does not mean that all decisions about our energy transition are easy, fossil fuels will be needed for years. But the momentum is going in one direction here – and in most countries in the world. Parties who ignore the benefits of moving steadily towards net zero must not be allowed to hold Britain back.