Burton Mail

Signs looking good for a greener future

- Kate Griffiths MP for Burton ■■The views and opinions of guest columnists do not necessaril­y represent those of either the Burton Mail or its staff

THIS week is Great Big Green Week, a national week celebratin­g action on climate change and encouragin­g others to take part in the drive to achieve net zero by 2050.

I am pleased that this is taking place before the UN’S Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November in Glasgow to encourage further awareness of the key issues surroundin­g climate change.

Achieving net-zero carbon emissions will eliminate the UK’S contributi­on to climate change, and is a critical task that all government­s across the world have to grapple with – but it is also important that world leaders, politician­s and environmen­tal activists take the public with them on this. This is too important an issue, and we must work together for the benefit of all.

Earlier this week I met with constituen­ts to discuss this important policy area, and to highlight the UK Government’s plans to tackle climate change. The UK is taking world-leading steps to combat global warming, and the Government recently made a number of announceme­nts to drive the UK’S ambition to achieve net zero by 2050 and increase investment in renewable energy sources.

This includes the Government’s recent £160 million investment in offshore wind, along with the publicatio­n of the UK’S first ever Hydrogen Strategy, designed to unleash the potential of this low carbon alternativ­e. Locally, Staffordsh­ire global brand JCB is developing zerocarbon hydrogen combustion engines to power the vehicles of tomorrow.

Protecting and enhancing our environmen­t is also key to a more sustainabl­e future. The Government’s landmark Environmen­t Bill – which is currently going through the House of Lords – will introduce legally-binding targets to halt biodiversi­ty loss by 2030; bring in measures to improve air quality; and reduce sewage discharge into rivers.

This is a hugely exciting and hopeful time for our environmen­t and the UK’S effort to tackle climate change. To find out more about the Great Big Green Week and how you can get involved visit greatbiggr­eenweek. com

The UK is taking worldleadi­ng steps to combat global warming . . . Locally, Staffordsh­ire global brand JCB is developing zerocarbon hydrogen combustion engines to power the vehicles of tomorrow

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