Mon 4 Dec 2017, 03:58 AM | Posted by Mark Langabeer
The intergovernmental panel on climate change brings together many of the worlds scientists. They are warning that a global temperature increase of two degrees centigrade would result in dangerous consequences. They have estimated that the current rise in carbon dioxide emissions will result in global warming in which it would be difficult for human beings to cope.
The Campaign against Climate Change Trade Union Group estimate that the UK, if it’s to play its part in reducing carbon dioxide, will need to cut emissions by 80% within 20 years. It believes that all known reserves of coal, oil and natural gas should be left in the ground, that Britain must reduce the amount of energy used and invest in renewable sources that don’t emit carbon dioxide.
The group believe that energy use could be reduced by 40%, if new regulations and the insulation of all homes and public buildings were implemented. They argue that most of our energy needs could be met from wind, wave, tidal and solar power.
The Trade Unions that support the campaign advocate the setting up of a National Climate Service (similar to the NHS). It would employ staff to undertake the work directly and believes that one million climate change jobs could be created at a cost of £66b (2014 prices). However, the Government would get back £47b in taxes and other related benefits. The net cost could be recouped by closing down tax loopholes alone.
The booklet they produced gave many examples of what could be done by a National Climate Service. The national grid is ageing and in need of replacement. A new grid with twice the capacity would employ 56,000 workers to build it, over a 20-year period. New grid cables could cross national boundaries, so that wind-power from Scotland can be mixed with the solar power from Spain.
The possibilities are endless and the idea of a National Climate Service should be included in Labour’s Programme. Ultimately in my opinion, the safety of future generations can only be secure when private ownership and nation states are replaced by socialist planning and a Socialist Commonwealth of nations.
