Net Zero is not an option
In these Covid-19 riddled days you might think there are few breathes of fresh air. But they are
there. Locally you might have noticed the respite from cars and lorries for a long period. Look further
afield and you might have seen images of the world not ruined by smog. What we have learnt, in
such a short period of time, is that the harm we currently inflict on our world can be reversed. No
change is easy, it has taken a pandemic not politicians to demonstrate change is possible. Our
challenge is to ensure the change continues to happen and we must up the pace to make a world
better for our children to enjoy.
“Net Zero” is one of the recent buzz words used widely by politicians and scientists. By aiming to
balance the carbon we produce by matched environmental actions, we can make that difference
happen. In Northumberland we have seen the County Council commit to net zero emissions by 2030.
Statements look good but without action we achieve nothing. Of real importance is that it is up to us
to make change happen. Nobody else will, we must take responsibility for the results of our past
actions whatever our age. Let us give our children the best example ever for improving their lives.
Climate science has demonstrated that in order to halt climate change we must stop carbon
emissions. Reducing them is not enough. ‘Net Zero’ means that any emissions are balanced by
absorbing the equivalent from the atmosphere. No easy task. The UK has legislated for net zero
emissions by 2050. How will this be done? What is the challenge? As has been said before, failure is
not an option.
One village, Humshaugh, has recently started on the process towards the Net Zero target. The first
step was to commission Newcastle University to measure the baseline carbon emissions for the
village. Without knowledge of this then the quantum of the task is unknown. Questionnaires were
received back from 110 households (over 30% of the village), even with the constraints of the Covid19 lockdown restrictions. From this the findings were that the contribution to the village’s carbon
consumption from electricity was 8%. Only 37% of households are on a green tariff – an easy win to
reduce carbon consumption. As the village is off the gas grid more than 77% of households rely on
oil or LPG gas for main form of heating. This contributes over 28% of all household carbon emissions.
Most households use cars for their transport needs. Humshaugh has a fairly reasonable bus service
but given high car ownership it has fairly few users in the village. Food purchasing and consumption
accounts for over 22% of village carbon consumption.
The Humshaugh survey has shown that over 73% of respondents are concerned or very concerned
about the harmful effects of climate change. They are keen to explore ways in which the village can
reduce its carbon emissions to reach a “Net Zero” target.
So what next for Humshaugh? The results of the survey has been sent to respondents and is
available in the Village Shop and on village web sites. A plan is underway to invite anyone in the
village to continue to be involved in achieving a “Net Zero” target for Humshaugh. Volunteers are
now sought to actively work together as an Action Group to drive forward the results of the survey
to actuality. There will be opportunities to run seminars on different technologies to start the
process of using more carbon emission friendly solutions.
So Humshaugh residents, want to take part? Both actively or to be kept informed? Send an email to
action@humshaughnetzero.org and you will be contacted.
Net Zero is not an option, not a target, it’s a result we need to achieve to leave our environment in
the best condition for our future generations.