Act now to protect future environment

ON Tuesday thousands of people across the country video-lobbied their MPs as part of the Climate Coalition’s #TheTimeIsNow call for a ‘Green Recovery’.

Within this some called for regeneration and development of ‘social infrastructure’, valuing caring and women’s contribution.

Whatever the cost of the pandemic, it is dwarfed by the threat of the climate breakdown, harbingers of which are there to be perceived both here and worldwide by those with eyes, ears and sense.

We want investment in cleaner greener homes, public spaces and transport.

With investment in energy efficiency training this will bring jobs, home insulation reducing energy use, protecting old folk from the cold and giving them more cash in their pocket.

And these ‘green workers’, often self-employed or in SMEs, travel locally and recycle their earnings in the community.

Building back better will protect our air, soil and water quality and hence our health along with the creatures we enjoy and are dependent on for sustenance.

To achieve this all future Government spending and taxation must pass a ‘net-zero’ test – it’s no good building a road to cut congestion and fumes if it leads to more motoring, particulates, and decreased wildlife.

Government also shouldn’t be unconditionally doling out our money to those not pulling their weight in reaching emissions targets or supporting a just and compassionate transition which protects and re-skills workers whose jobs cannot survive.

This seems daunting; so was the situation in 1940.

Then, as now, Government has intervened, apparent sacrifices were made, wonders worked, and deliverance and freedom achieved.

We can do it again, for ourselves and future generations; failure would be betrayal of our children.