The idea of reaching a ‘Zero Carbon Britain‘ by 2030 might sound a bit too optimistic to some, but a new report by the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) claims that increasing the use of renewable energy sources, promoting energy efficiency and changing the diet of the UK’s population, will make the goal feasible to reach.
CAT is a leading eco-center in Europe, established in Wales in 1973. Although relatively small, their aims have always been big.
Back in 2007, CAT released a report stating that by 2030 Zero Carbon Britain will be achieved. Much has changed since then, including crash of the global economy, incredible raise in carbon concentrations in the atmosphere, and increase in the number of scientific studies claiming that climate change is becoming irreversible.
Despite all these claims, scientists at CAT are convinced the target is still in reach. They released their third incarnation of Zero Carbon Britain, where they describe a scenario in which the UK has reduced greenhouse gas emissions to net zero. What is more, all this could be achieved relying only on existing technology and introducing small changes to people’s habits.
The report provides clear guidelines and recommendations to how exactly the Zero Carbon Britain could be made possible.
To start with, the use of wind power and other renewable energy sources must be optimized. Governmental officials and policy makers should ensure that efforts are directed towards promoting energy efficiency, by providing various incentives.
In addition, the report pays special attention to energy produced from biomass. The report suggests that successful management of the fluctuation of renewable energy supply could be achieved using synthetic gas and liquid fuels from sustainably grown crops. To reduce energy demand, the authors also suggest that changes in the way we travel and the transport system as a whole should also be made.
The recommendation, which might not make too many British very happy is the change in dietary habits, moving away from animal products. The idea behind reducing greenhouse gas emissions by eating more vegetables is not new, and it is one to be encouraged the most.
As the authors of the report suggest, this will not only help Britain reach their emission targets, but it will also help in the fight against obesity.
