[ad_1]
Pollution comes out of a power plant in Scunthorpe, UK, as a group of citizens call for a change. fake images
Pollution comes out of a power plant in Scunthorpe, UK, as a group of citizens call for a change. fake images
A “Climate Assembly” made up of 108 randomly selected people in the UK, has called on the government to take tougher action to protect the planet.
The group participated in meetings over six weekends from January to March.
Their recommendations have been compiled into a 556-page report, which has been relayed to ministers to give them an idea of what the public thinks about environmental policies.
“The way citizens’ assemblies are conducted is a unique way of allowing ordinary people to get involved and help make decisions,” said Sue from Bath, who participated in the assembly.
“I have learned a lot about climate change and I realize the importance of making changes in our lives. My personal journey has started and I just bought a second hand electric vehicle.”
The study looked at a number of issues related to the environment. Fundamentally, it wasn’t about accepting or rejecting the science on climate change, but rather looking at what the public thinks about the policies that will affect people’s lives.
Protests by the Extinction Rebellion group sparked riots in London. Dave Rushen / SOPA Images / LightRocket via Getty Images
Protests by the Extinction Rebellion group sparked riots in London. Dave Rushen / SOPA Images / LightRocket via Getty Images
What are you asking for?
The assembly’s recommendations included a call for higher taxes for frequent travelers to offset their carbon footprint.
He also suggests restricting cars in city centers and moving towards more electric and battery-powered vehicles.
He analyzed the effects of agriculture and called for government action to reduce UK meat consumption by up to 40 percent.
Members also called for greener ways of generating electricity, such as supporting renewable energy projects.
In case you missed it:
Global Business Daily: Brexit disputes, Apple-Epic lawsuit, Beckham IPO
The EU promises financial aid after a fire destroyed the refugee camp in Greece
The idea was created with the help of six government committees and the UK’s minister for business, energy and industrial strategy, Alok Sharma, who believes it is important to get the public involved.
“This is the most important issue of our time. I think we are all in complete agreement,” Sharma said at the report’s online launch.
“Of course, we know as a government that there is much more to do. But I am also aware that the government alone cannot achieve all the change we need. It requires that we all work collectively: politicians, legislators, companies and, of course, the public “.
The UK has quite ambitious targets for climate change and was the first major economy to set a goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.
And Glasgow, Scotland, will host the United Nations’ COP26 climate change summit next year, a project Sharma is overseeing.
“In holding the presidency of COP26, the UK urges all countries to [emission reduction] Goals as ambitious as possible and commit to hitting net zero as soon as possible, “he said.
But some think the plans don’t go far enough. Environmental group Extinction Rebellion said it supports the assembly’s calls for more education on the “climate crisis,” but believes the government’s plans to cut emissions must move quickly.
COVID-19 also appeared in the report, with 80 percent of participants saying they wanted the economic recovery from the virus to align with the goal of net zero emissions.
More than 95 percent said that as closures ease, the government and employers should encourage greener lifestyles.
