Imagine a world with cleaner air, water, and food. While this may sound like something of a pipe dream, the truth is that it could actually be a reality for both our, and future, generations.
The Government has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 20501, so it’s time for us to gear up and do our bit to help press reset on global warming and end our contribution to climate change.
The National Climate Change Conference recently took place in January 2023, and the theme - Working in Partnership to Achieve Net Zero2 - demonstrates just one facet of the UK’s commitment to lowering its overall carbon footprint.
What is Net Zero?
Net zero means totally removing the amount of greenhouse gases produced by human activity, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. Once we have achieved this, we can begin to implement other methods to eradicate any remaining carbon emissions from the atmosphere.
Net Zero Week
We’ve certainly got our work cut out if we want to collectively hit the 2050 net zero target, but first and foremost, we need to raise awareness and educate those around us about the associated risks and what we can do to help. The recent National Climate Change Conference aimed to do exactly that.
The event offered an opportunity to hear about the latest policy updates regarding tackling the ongoing climate crisis. On the day, experts from across the public sector provided a series of guidance and support measures to help organisations achieve their climate targets and net-zero strategies.
Small change = big difference
We live in a society that relies heavily on fossil fuels. Whilst the government is working to reverse this by introducing initiatives such as the Green Industrial Revolution programme3, you can make smaller changes to your own lifestyle that can still make a big difference:
- Walk or take public transport wherever possible
- Change to LED lightbulbs
- Insulate your home
- Switch to a green mortgage
- Batch cook to reduce food waste
- Have a meat-free or dairy-free day once a week
More costly, bigger changes such as insulation, double glazing and solar panels can also go towards improving your property’s EPC rating. Not only can this equate to lower energy bills, it also means your property is reducing its overall carbon footprint. It can even increase the overall value of your home while you’re at it.
Check out our article about EPC ratings and why they really matter.
Electric vehicles are also becoming a popular eco-friendly option, and while the upfront cost of purchase or lease may be significant, the return on investment is worth considering, with lower fuel and maintenance bills compared to petrol and diesel cars.4
Do your bit
It’s easy to look the other way and pretend it’s not happening, but if everyone took their responsibility to protect the environment seriously, we could improve lives and give back to planet Earth. While striving to be more sustainable and energy efficient may seem inaccessible due to cost barriers, there are always small ways we can make a difference.
Read more simple ways you can make a difference, plus save some money too.
1 Gov.uk, 2022
2 The Climate Conference, 2023
3 Gov.uk, 2020
4 The Times, 2023
Important information
Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The actual amount you pay will depend on your circumstances. The fee is up to 1% but a typical fee is 0.3% of the amount borrowed.
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