12 February 2024 – After the Conservative government has slowed down planned measures to prevent climate change last year, Labour has now dropped their £28bn green pledge. So why are politicians so hesitant when it comes to committing to action on climate change?
In 2023, global temperatures have, for the first time, exceeded the critical mark of 1.5°C for the whole year. In the same year we have seen record heat waves, wildfires, devastating storms and flooding.
Scientists have been very clear that these extreme weather events will become the norm, unless the world becomes net-zero and keeps temperatures below 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This means we don’t add any more greenhouse gases (GHG) into our atmosphere.
Yet, UK politicians seem reluctant to take action on climate change that will do the job.
UK Government Rows Back On Planned Action On Climate Change
In September last year, the Prime Minister announced changes to his green policies. But rather than strengthening them to ensure the country meets its legally binding 2050 net-zero targets, he watered them down.
Rishi Sunak delayed the bans on new gas and oil boilers as well as on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars. Around 20% of buildings will be completely exempt from the ban on fossil fuel boilers.
Planned energy efficiency regulations for the private rental sector have been scrapped, leaving tenants with less energy efficient homes and higher energy bills. But why not stick to the plan, given the seriousness of the situation?
According to No 10, the government wants to avoid inflicting high costs for households through the measures. However, the government’s own adviser, the Climate Change Committee (CCC), has said that rather than saving them money, the delayed targets will cost British people money.
The CCC has also pointed out that the delays will make it even harder for the UK to meet its 2050 net-zero targets, which it’s legally obliged to meet.
At the same time, Mr Sunak’s government has pledged to maximise oil and gas developments in the North Sea. Again, he goes against what science tells us, to leave fossil fuels in the ground. His justification is to ensure energy security and lower bills for households.
But critics have been quick to point out that new fossil fuel fields in the North Sea wouldn’t contribute to energy security or lower household energy bills. The majority of gas and oil sourced from the North Sea is sold to the highest bidder, rather than used domestically.
Commentators have pointed to the looming general election as a reason for these changes. Mr Sunak needs to draw a clear line between his party and the Labour Party. And with Labour pledging £28bn per year for green projects, he drew the line under action on climate change.
Labour Dropped Its £28bn Climate Pledge
However, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has now dropped this pledge. The money the opposition party initially pledged was meant to be invested in green projects helping the country to transition to a green economy.
Labour’s shadow chancellor, Rachel Reeves, touted the Green Property Plan as a fix-it-all, as it would create new jobs, grow the economy and protect the planet.
The figure pledged was close to what a group of scientists said would be needed. So why was the figure dropped? Sir Keir has said that the state of the UK economy would not allow this level of investment. He blamed the Tories for damaging the economy.
And while the amount has gone, Labour is still sticking to its other green commitments, he said.
Mr Starmer said his party is still committed to bring battery factories to the UK, create a more eco-friendly steel production and found a clean energy company. How it will be paid for is not yet clear though.
One part of the plan is changing though. The measures to make homes more energy efficient will be slowed down, much to the chagrin of housebuilders and campaigners.
While the Labour leader blames the country’s financial situation, commentators see it as a political decision. The figure has already drawn a lot of criticism from the Conservatives, who said it shows Labour can’t be trusted with the economy.
By removing this target, the Labour Party hopes to capitalise on its lead in the polls and win the next general election.
Our Opinion
It’s really frustrating to see politicians abandoning action on climate change just to win votes. According to numerous polls, climate change is in the top concerns of British voters. And not just the young and left leaning ones.
So clearly, people are worried about their and their children’s future, and they want our leaders to take action. But somehow politicians don’t seem to grasp that.
It’s true that most people want action, but not if it impacts them directly. But we have no choice. Unless we change our behaviour, we won’t be able to avert a climate catastrophe.
And what we need are leaders that take bold actions.
Not because it will win them votes, but because it’s what the planet and we need. Like Theresa May, who made reaching net-zero by 2050 a law. By doing so she forced future governments, no matter from which party, to take action.
But it seems that for now, we haven’t found a leader strong and brave enough to make this net-zero target a reality. Let’s hope we find one very soon.
