This week has seen the start of COP27 in Egypt, who take over the presidency from the UK of COP26 which was held in Glasgow last year. We know that carbon-induced global warming is one of the biggest issues of our lifetime. With a huge amount of additional carbon already in our atmosphere, current and future global warming will happen, but there is still the potential for it to be less devastating if the world gets its act together.
The UK is a world leader in addressing climate change. We have more than halved our carbon emissions since 1990 and are well on the way to reaching net-zero by 2050. This is good news but many other countries continue to increase their emissions, meaning that global CO2 emissions continue to rise.
Under the UK’s stewardship and during a global pandemic, COP26 brought together nearly 200 countries to forge the historic Glasgow Climate Pact, which remains the blueprint for accelerating climate action this critical decade to keep limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C, in reach. Over 90% of the world’s GDP, up from 30% when the UK took on the COP Presidency, is now covered by net zero commitments. More than 153 countries have now put forward new 2030 climate plans. This is progress but we know there is more to do and the world will be watching COP27.
Short-term energy challenges have been created by global demand and by the terrorism inflicted on Ukraine by Russia. Europe in particular has energy challenges for the upcoming winter. Reducing energy usage is helpful all round, for the environment and to help fight energy inflation. One way is to make our homes more energy efficient. One mechanism for this is the Warmer Homes Programme, which West Sussex County Council are a member of. This innovative programme provides funding to make homes more energy efficient for households with an income of £30,000pa or less, and with EPC ratings of E, F or G. If you think you could be eligible, please do look at http://www.warmerhomes.org.uk/programme or just search online for “Warmer homes West Sussex”.
Councillor Duncan Crow, Leader of Crawley Borough Council Conservative Group
9th November 2022
