George Sandilands

Bristol is not expected to meet 2030 net zero targets. A disappointing headline, but not a surprising one. It’s a common headline when ambitious climate goals are set without the detailed plans, funding, or accountability needed to actually reach them. That said, there is progress to be proud of: 🌳 Bristol’s emissions per head have been lower than similar UK cities for nearly 20 years 🌳 Emissions are continuing to fall faster than the national average What stood out to me in the article published yesterday was “People in Hartcliffe and produced on average 36% fewer emissions than those in Redland.” It’s a clear reminder of the link between affluence and carbon consumption. Communities with the lowest emissions are frequently the most vulnerable to the consequences. We need to bring climate justice into every conversation about sustainability. With the UK’s legal target of net zero by 2050, there’s still a long (loooong) way to go. But we need to keep pushing for local action, honest reporting, and real community engagement. #Bristol #GreenCapital #NetZero Link to article in the comments 📰

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Today’s DESNZ announcement is welcome, but policy certainty is needed for investment. The UK ETS should be incentivising the right economic and environmental outcomes as we transition to a circular economy. To do this, the timeframes must align with the EU and we must implement the recycling legislation that will remove fossil plastics that can be recycled, out of the waste stream. Simpler Recycling, pEPR and a mandatory 50% recycled content threshold will deliver decarbonisation in the most efficient and effective way. We thank DESNZ for their extensive industry engagement on these issues and look forward to continuing working with them to provide further clarity on cost allocation, timelines and emissions measurement. #EmissionsTradingScheme #ETS #PolicyUpdate

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I recently sat down with Genevieve Redgrave at Environmental Finance to discuss the expansion of the UK’s emissions trading scheme and how this is a strong compliance signal that can unlock finance for carbon removal technologies. With widespread removals being recognised by science as necessary to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change, growing demand and building a high-integrity market is key. Here is where carbon markets play a key role, supporting nature-based methods for immediate action whilst accelerating emerging CDR technology innovation - complementary solutions we need to scale to reach global net-zero. Read the full article here https://lnkd.in/eEEBigyS #CDR #UKETS #Decarbonisation #NetZero #ClimateAction #CarbonMarkets thanks to Valentina Ortis for the amazing work

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Yesterday, our CEO, Caroline Bragg, joined Ian Collins on TalkTV during the Conservative Party Conference to discuss recent comments around net zero, including Kemi Badenoch’s suggestion to repeal the Climate Change Act. Recent shocks such as the crisis in Ukraine saw energy bills rise by 74% and are a stark reminder of the volatility of our energy system. As Caroline highlighted the big question is protecting people from this volatility in the future and providing a stable environment for the long-term investment required during the transition to net zero. The Act has given businesses the stability to plan, invest and innovate in decarbonisation. 🏭 From energy security to global competitiveness, it is crucial that we maintain course for net zero without undermining progress.

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