Tackling the Climate Emergency - LibDem Policy Paper 139 was proposed by Duncan Brack. and accepted by the 2019 Autumn Conference.

Chapter 4.3 on Greening Taxation includes "Widening the list of energy and emissions-saving products enjoying the 5 per cent rate of VAT"
Chapter 7 is on Decarbonising buildings: energy efficiency first.

Recently it was announced that funding for a bypass around the city of Hereford was being withdrawn, putting the future of the project in doubt. For me this was very disappointing news, as I strongly support building it. Now, you might reasonably ask why would a Green Liberal Democrat feel that way? More roads are bad, right? Well, although I once opposed it, I have become convinced that building this road is in the best interests of local people.

The Role of Tax and Subsidy in Tackling the Climate Emergency

The role of taxation, in particular, as a tool in dealing with the climate emergency has been deliberately overlooked by governments afraid of being punished at the ballot box for any extra taxes. I believe that the electorate is now sufficiently aware of the likely effects of climate change that there will be an acceptance of extra taxation as long as there is transparency in the destination of the extra taxation. The extra taxation must be destined for subsidies for home insulation and electric cars and other greenhouse gas saving measures, as well as for mitigation measures such as flood defences and research and development of renewable energies, energy storage and carbon capture and storage and hydrogen manufacture from non-carbon sources.

The last couple of weeks have seen major announcements from UK Government on transport futures, that will have a huge impact on life in all parts of the UK. Nowhere will the effects be greater than here in Wales, writes Cllr William Powell.

Firstly, we had the announcement in early February that the sale of all petrol, diesel and hybrid cars in the UK are to be banned by 2035. In some quarters, an even earlier date has been mooted. Then last week came confirmation of colossal Westminster Government investment in taking forward HS2, despite the project's runaway budget.

GreenFest puts Community at the Heart of Sustainability.

GreenFest is coming back for a second consecutive year following the runaway success of the inaugural event in 2019, that saw around 2500 visitors descend on the picturesque, woodland, West Berkshire, village of Hampstead Norreys.

What started out as an idea to bring eco-suppliers together in one central venue, quickly grew to become an event that would take over an entire village. One venue soon became five…….and all the outside space in between. We booked sustainable product stalls, charities, suppliers, we organised talks from experts in their field and ran workshops and activities all day long.

Last year, as I couldn't go to Autumn Conference, I responded to a request to represent GLD at the Nottingham Green Fest, held on September 15th and took part in a discussion that included Natalie Bennett (former Green Party Leader), Alan Simpson (former Labour MP), along with a Labour Councillor and a Labour PPC (very balanced panel!) to talk about "What actions are required to avoid runaway climate & ecological breakdown?"

Green Gathering Chepstow
30th July - 2nd August 2020

This is the best festival in Britain, with live music, healing, storytime, a tipi circle, dance, crafts, saunas, Permaculture and a Campaigns Area with many tents of talks and workshops like the Speakers Forum.
So many teachers - Paul Mobbs, Simon Fairlee, Roger Hallam, Molly Scott Cato MEP, Caroline Lucas MP, Shannon Smy etc etc.
One year they had Green Party deputy leadership hustings there. I try to spend half my time in that tent.
Best was an hour talk by Nik Turner of his adventures with Hawkwind!
I first went in 1983 as a young liberal.
GM

Why is a Hydrogen Grid needed for the UK?

The graph below shows that domestic heating gas demand peak in Winter is 2.5x the electricity grid energy load (industry & power adds another 1x with more equal balance through year) and transport is 2x (N.B. 0.5x is aviation).

Thus if all this was switched to renewable electricity as some suggest it would mean expanding the electric grid and generation capacity to 4-5x current capacity (even with efficiency/ insulation improvements) which is just not credible. It is also not cost effective as there would be a 50% surplus generation capacity for 50% of the year. So how can the problem be solved cost effectively?

It's everywhere these days - and rightly so: warnings, petitions, rallies, campaigns.

Despite those still in denial, most folk today are well aware of the very real environmental crisis we face - even if it is largely only the scientists who fully understand the seriousness of the situation. Our earth ship - our only home - is sinking ever more rapidly and there are no lifeboats. Some are working the pumps, some are bailing, some are doing their best to stem the leaks and mend the holes; but their battle can seem hopeless at times, as others just talk and argue - and some continue to bore more holes in the hull.

While counter terrorism police waste their time investigating known Extinction Rebellion supporters and school strikers reported by their teachers, the real terrorists travel into the heart of London, mingling unnoticed with ordinary commuters on buses trains and tubes. They wear no badges and carry no placards. They do not have suicide belts spoiling the shape of their smart jackets. These hidden terrorists spend their days working for the breakdown of society, by investing people's savings into the fossil fuel industry. The "terror" of the risk of one's bus being diverted because of a crowd of school strikers demonstrating for action to slow climate change, or a few extremists padlocking themselves together or gluing themselves to things; is a minor and short lived "terror". The terror of advancing climate disruption bringing drought, fire, flood and crop failure, with the resultant starvation, mass-migration, and wars over water and food; is a real, intense and ever-pervasive terror.