Psychologists Taking Action to Fight Climate Change

During the International Summit on Psychology and Global Health earlier this month in Lisbon, psychological associations from more than 40 countries signed a revolutionary proclamation. To help combat #climate change, leaders in psychology from around-the-world have vowed to apply psychological science to jointly advance progress on critical global issues, including the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals. Ultimately, they plan to “take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.”  

Just as multiple scientific organizations worldwide have come together to combat climate change, it is no surprise that human science experts are now doing the same. It has long since been known that climate change has harmed the human psyche. On the same token, many of the negative effects of climate change have been a result of human behavior. The anxiety associated with climate change, as well as the notion that human behavior is, in part, to blame for climate change, calls for experts in the psychological fields to rise up and weigh in. Climate change is not just affecting us physically or ecologically, but psychologically and mentally, too. 

How Psychology Leaders Plan to Help 

The resolution addresses the fact that climate change-related events can result in acute and chronic mental health outcomes, such as stress, PTSD, trauma, substance abuse, and anxiety. To combat these adverse mental health effects, the Psychology and Global Health movement aims to encourage psychological organizations worldwide to collaborate, adapt, and ultimately mitigate climate change. 

According to the resolution, the availability of mental health resources and widespread advocacy are of great importance. Psychologists that are backing the resolution are vowing to support communities through better training to help counsel those suffering through a climate change-related crisis, as well as advocacy for public awareness campaigns and other social movements. The goal is to strengthen individuals, as well as their local communities, by increasing supportive interventions for those that are most impacted by climate change. 

The APA’s Take on Climate Change 

The American Psychological Association (APA) is one of the primary entities backing the Psychology and Global Health movement. Back in 2017, the APA released a 70-page document on the impacts of climate change on mental health. In the document titled Mental Health and Our Changing Climate: Impacts, Implications, and Guidance, the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on psychological health is explored in depth. 

In the report, the APA offers recommendations for how individuals can remain psychologically healthy in the wake of climate change. Fostering resilience, building optimism, using healthy coping mechanisms, maintaining a sense of purpose or meaning, and promoting connectedness among one’s family members, friends, and communities, are recommended if we are to combat climate change anxieties and mental trauma. 

The APA report also mentions the difficulties that arise when individuals deny the impacts of climate change. Political divides, psychological distance, and feelings of helplessness have all been found to contribute to individual psychological distress. One of the goals of the APA has always been to increase environmental self-efficacy, which has been shown to incentivize individuals to seek out and be more motivated to work towards climate change solutions. 

A Step in the Right Direction for Climate Change  

While some communities are still shielded from the present impacts of climate change, most are not. Individuals and communities around-the-world are experiencing mental health issues and anxiety related to global warming and climate change. The resolution set forth by psychological leaders should bring some relief. Without acknowledging the mental impacts of climate change, we cannot hope to bring widespread ecological and environmental relief. 

Moving forward, there is hope that psychologists will refrain from compartmentalizing climate change as a separate, political issue and those suffering from climate change-related anxieties will be taken seriously. Climate change is making news headlines on a daily basis, making it nearly impossible to ignore the issue entirely now.  

As experts in human behavior, psychologists are in a unique and important position to help relieve climate change anxieties. They are also equipped to help incentivize communities to fight back and change their behaviors. Now that the psychological communities have acknowledged the negative impacts of climate change alongside environmental scientists, there is hope that a better future for our planet may emerge.   

Read the declaration for yourself here: https://www.psychologyandglobalhealth.org/ 

Resources: 

https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2017/03/mental-health-climate.pdf 

https://qz.com/1749577/psychologists-sign-pledge-to-address-climate-change/ 

 

Virginians Are Going Solar

Many in Virginia, and across the country, are making the effort to go #solar. Joy Loving is one such individual. It started back in 2012 when she bought a Prius to reduce her carbon footprint. Going solar was her next step. She converted her home so it would utilize solar #energy and started to lead solar cooperatives in her Harrisonburg community. She found many others were interested in going solar, too.  

Loving founded #Solarize Harrisonburg, a co-op that took off thanks to the help of #Solar United Neighbors (#SUN) – a national organization that represents the needs of solar owners and supporters. Solar United Neighbors helps businesses and homeowners to get started with rooftop solar.   

SUN’s program director in VA, #Aaron Sutch, discussed how their work focuses on rooftop solar and is devoted to giving control back to local communities when it comes to energy. The organization is not only helping to build clean energy, but it is helping to create jobs while giving consumers more power and independence.  

Solar Co-Ops and Installers 

SUN brings businesses and individuals together to create solar co-ops in communities. When the co-ops grow big enough in size, SUN then matches the groups with local solar installers. Those who are part of the co-op are able to go over various bids and select an installer. The chosen installer then assists with a customized plan to go solar. 

SUN said that as of November, it has helped more than 840 families in Virginia to convert to rooftop solar. 

SUN has impressive goals. Another objective is to encourage homeowners to be their own activist when it comes to their energy rights. One example of this is the efforts being made to lift the cap on net metering in Virginia. Net metering, of course, means solar homeowners are compensated for producing a greater amount of electricity on a monthly basis than they consume. The extra energy is fed, under net metering, to the public grid. Any extra is used to offset monthly energy bills. Back in March, a bill was passed by the General Assembly to raise the net metering cap in VA for not-for-profit solar owners to 2 percent. SUN praised this legislation.  

This same bill allows utilities that are investor-owned to develop solar projects by letting Virginians participate in a subscription program. Unfortunately, there is still work to be done as it falls short of utility-scale solar.  

It is the belief of people such as Sutch that residents in VA should be able to participate in community solar projects. Why? Because doing so lets businesses and individuals get credit for their bill from a local shared solar project, which then lets renters benefit from clean energy regardless of their ability to install their own solar rooftop system.  

The key problem in the state of VA is that the energy system is deferred to Dominion Energy’s monopoly – schools and churches, for instance, are prevented from generating their own power outside of what is provided by Dominion (except in rare cases such as weather-related emergencies).  

How SUN Got Started in D.C. 

Back in 2009, SUN got its start in D.C. – it stemmed from the Mt. Pleasant Solar Cooperative which was started by #Anya Schoolman. After her son and a friend watched a documentary about climate change called “An Inconvenient Truth,” they wanted to go solar to help fight climate change. Schoolman realized the expenses involved and questioned if converting her neighborhood in bulk was the answer. 

In a matter of just a couple weeks, at least 50 neighbors wanted to join in and install rooftop solar. This group eventually became the first solar co-op in D.C. 

DC SUN was created by Schoolman to imitate the achievement of its neighborhood co-op and it eventually spread to nearby states. In 2017, Solar United Neighbors became a nationwide program offering memberships.  

SUN offers a host of other programs designed to provide Virginians with the information needed to go solar.  

Loving is continuing to assist in the establishment of other solar co-ops in the Shenandoah Valley. Clearly, efforts worth discussing are being made in Virginia. Keep following solar news to stay in the know and to discover what is happening by you!  

Sources: 

https://www.nbc12.com/2019/11/22/how-virginians-are-going-solar-powered-by-national-program/ 

https://rvamag.com/politics/virginia-politics/how-virginians-are-going-solar-powered-by-national-program.html 

 

Will Venice Become the Next Lost City Due to Climate Change?

Images of the severe flooding in #Venice on the news are absolutely devastating. Rain brought the high tides to almost record highs, as the waters were merely centimeters less than the levels of the historic floods which occurred back in the 1960’s. Does this point to #climate change? According to many, it unquestionably does. According to others, climate change is, at the very least, a scary possibility.  

Venice Flooding and Climate Change 

Climate change is one hot topic lately. There continues to be indications across the globe that climate change is a major issue that needs to be addressed — and it needs to be addressed fast. The mayor (Luigi Brugnaro) recently blamed the Venice flooding on climate change. As a matter of fact, many people across the globe blamed the flooding on climate change. The belief is that the warmer the planet becomes (due in some part to actions of people which are preventable), the more extreme and frequent harsh weather conditions such as this will be seen in the future. When the planet becomes warmer, heavy rainfall becomes more powerful and sea levels rise. It turns into a disastrous cycle.  

While there are always those who doubt the legitimacy of climate change, there is one thing we should all be able to agree on – the mayor knows Venice better than readers sitting in front of their computer screen or phone screen on the other side of the globe. High tides and rainfall are going to amplify events such as the current flooding in Venice – climate change and rising sea levels associated with it are at play, too. At what point does arguing against the concept that we need to take better care of our planet become just plain reckless? At what point does denying that bad things such as climate change can happen if we fail to respect our planet become wildly irresponsible? When beautiful cities such as Venice are – in actual fact – underwater, perhaps?  

A Dangerous Cycle – Climate Change and Our Planet 

There have been peer reviewed studies utilizing satellite-based methods essentially verifying that Venice is sinking. The concept that the flooding in Venice is connected to extreme snowfall in Austria has also been brought to light, which again can be linked to climate change. Here’s one theory relevant to climate change that should alarm anyone – in accordance with Anders Levermann, for each degree that our planet is warming, the sea level will rise roughly 2.5 meters. His belief is that Venice will drown, and cities such as New York, Hamburg, and Hong Kong will have to make major adjustments because of climate change. The mayor of Venice is confident that climate change is at least, in part, the cause of the severe flooding taking place. It seems that many experts in climate change, and experts in their own cities, are recognizing that climate change is a huge problem. Activists such as #Greta Thunberg are calling for people everywhere to listen to what scientists are saying regarding climate change. She is a young woman who has become a household name in her fight to protect people, ecosystems and our planet Earth by encouraging action against climate change.  

It has been a tremendously sad time for Venice. Was it all preventable? Just last week (as of this writing) #St. Mark’s Square was shut down over safety concerns. Centuries-old buildings have been destroyed. Floods have torn through the city. If there is even a chance that climate change is the cause, then to ignore it is a crime to both the history of our world and to the future of our planet. Climate change will lead to historic cities being submerged in water. It is leading to the collapse of ecosystems. When will it be enough for more people to take action? 

Stay in the know. Read the news and continue to learn about climate change and the impact it can have and is having. Take small steps to make a positive difference – we can and must make changes! We must take action against climate change!

Sources: 

https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1206511/venice-flooding-latest-italy-floods-climate-change-Anders-Levermann-Luigi-Brugnaro 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/marshallshepherd/2019/11/16/venice-flooding-reveals-a-real-hoax-about-climate-changeframing-it-as-eitheror/#5cdd28473a12 

New Jersey’s New Proposed Solar Act Not Being Well Received

New Jersey has been one of the nation’s leaders when it comes to the promotion and implementation of #solar energy. Most notably, New Jersey’s federal investment tax credit for #solar, as well as state incentive policies, have landed New Jersey as one of the top 10 solar state’s in the nation. In 2018, New Jersey ranked seventh for overall solar capacity and nearly half a million homes are powered state-wide by solar #energy. Additionally, 586 solar companies in the state provide over 6,400 careers for residents. 

Public schools in New Jersey have also jumped on board with the state’s solar enthusiasm, engaging in over 600 solar energy-related projects that benefit both students and taxpayers. Unfortunately, the momentum gained by schools and other entities across the Garden State might soon be threatened if the latest New Jersey Board of Public Utilities’(BPU) initiative is not handled carefully. Their latest proposal is known as the solar transition incentive plan, or transition solar renewable energy credits (#TREC). It has residents and proponents of solar worried for the future of current solar energy projects. 

Inside the TREC Program 

The implementation of the TREC program will likely interfere with the current Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program. It demands that the state’s SREC program close altogether when 5.1% of total energy sold in the state is generated from solar power, or by June of 2021, depending on which comes first. TREC credits will operate in much the same way that SREC’s do with one major exception — TREC’s are worth significantly less due to lower compliance payments. 

The TREC program proposes five major changes, which include establishing an energy storage initiative, the institution of energy efficiency programs, increasing New Jersey’s renewable portfolio standard, increasing solar curve out, and creating community solar net metering frameworks. While all of these goals may sound agreeable upfront, critics of the TREC program believe that, if it passes, the initiative could ultimately harm the state’s current and future solar programs. 

Criticism Towards the TREC Program 

Those against the TREC program, namely the Division of Rate Counsel and others, have stated that the new proposal will harm solar customers since the proposal “fails to achieve objectives of a 2018 law,” which aimed to incentivize and lower costs for those who subsidize new solar projects. The counsel’s director, Stefanie Brand, argues that the implementation of TREC could ultimately cause a major roadblock for the state’s 2050 goal of becoming 100% reliant on clean energy. 

Solar developers are against the TREC program because the new incentives offered under the program are far too low for solar companies to want to invest in new solar projects in New Jersey. Thus, it is predicted that the program could ultimately lead to major employee layoffs statewide.  

If the proposal passes, solar energy costs will go up for customers and fewer home installations will be installed. In addition to the impact on the residential sector, businesses and industrial properties will likely refrain from investing in solar energy due to the changes to the state’s overall solar incentives as a result of the TREC program. 

What’s Next for New Jersey? 

New Jersey has made significant strides in the solar energy realm in the past. Notably, this past summer, the Six Flags theme park in Jackson completed a 40-acre solar farm that spans across what once was an unused parking lot. The solar array now powers 53 rides in the amusement park, including the Six Flags on-site water park. 

The Six Flags solar farm, in addition to other projects across the state that have made headlines, have made New Jersey a prime example of how states can utilize renewable energy effectively. If the new TREC program passes, it is possible that revolutionary projects, in the works and soon to come, may no longer receive proper funding.  

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities plans to meet in December to further discuss how the TREC program can be improved and implemented. Although, we can say for certain that they will continue to be met with criticism and push back from solar advocates in the state. 

 

Resources: 

https://www.nj.com/opinion/2019/11/the-state-shouldnt-obstruct-plans-to-power-schools-with-solar-energy-education-group-says.html 

https://www.njspotlight.com/2019/10/op-ed-bpu-should-not-let-new-jersey-solar-projects-fail/ 

https://www.solar-estimate.org/news/new-jersey-srec-program-vs-trec 

 

Our Economy and Climate Change: How the Federal Reserve Plans to Act

Earlier this month on November 8th, leaders in the #Federal Reserve met in their first-ever conference to discuss #climate change and its impact on economics. Undoubtedly, climate change is already affecting ecosystems worldwide and environmentalists and communities everywhere have begun to take notice. Now, the Federal Reserve appears to be getting more and more concerned regarding the potential and widespread financial implications of climate change.  

International leaders from around-the-world have already begun to look at how climate change risks may affect global financial stability and the United States is now joining them. As climate change worsens, we are likely to see monetary policies change and shift as a result. 

According to Federal Reserve Governor Lael Brainard, to fulfill the primary responsibilities of the Federal Reserve, it will be necessary for her and her colleagues to “study the implications of climate change for the #economy and the financial system” and adapt accordingly. Specifically, they will need to remain vigilant and work to keep banks and the overall United States financial system intact as rising sea levels, increasing temperatures, and extreme weather conditions become more common.  

Brainard’s speech marks a major turning point in the Federal Reserve’s attitude towards climate change. This is the first time Brainard has even mentioned climate change since she became governor of the Federal Reserve over five years ago. Overall, Brainard stated that the main concern of the Federal Reserve will be to ensure that the effects of climate change are taken into account and policies are adjusted accordingly to ensure “maximum employment and price stability.”  

Taking Climate Change Consequences Seriously 

The Federal Reserve’s attention towards climate change could not have come any sooner. During the packed conference held in San Francisco, policymakers were given a crash course detailing research that shows how climate change has slowed economic growth, as well as how to possibly mitigate this stagnation. Hashem Pesaran, professor at the University of Southern California and one of the conference’s main presenters, spoke on how rising average temperatures and increased precipitation have been the primary culprits of low U.S. economic output. 

In addition to the change of heart from the Federal Reserve, following Paris Agreement goals could help limit losses per capita over the next 80 years from 14% to less than 3% if these goals are met, according to Pesaran. Conny Olovsson, a Swedish bank economist suggested that imposing a carbon tax may also be a solution to help offset economic losses brought on by climate change, especially if global warming continues to worsen. Carnegie Mellon University professor Nicholas Muller brought forth a more flexible solution, suggesting that Federal Reserve leaders adjust the tax rate depending on whether or not pollution levels are increasing or decreasing in any given year. 

How Homeowners are Already Being Impacted 

By looking closely, we can already see how climate change is starting to impact our everyday economy. In particular, the #housing market is already starting to shift as a result of climate change attitudes. According to research done by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication comparing National Oceanic and Atmospheric (NOAA) data, geographical data, and current real estate trends, certain real-estate markets are being affected by climate change ‘deniers’ and ‘believers’ alike. 

The study found that areas that have a great populous of climate change deniers are more likely to sell their homes for nearly 7% more, compared to areas where more climate change believers reside. Essentially, believers are unwilling to purchase certain properties in high-risk areas, such as beachfront properties, while deniers see these types of properties as investment opportunities.  

David Burt, a prominent financial investor in New York City that anticipated the U.S. financial crisis of 2008, is warning that history may repeat itself yet again. This time, he worries that the housing market may break due to mispricing. 

With research from economists and financial experts everywhere highlighting the potential financial consequences of climate change, the Federal Reserve will need to take heed. As we move forward into 2020, it will behoove the United States and nations everywhere to abide by the goals in the Paris Agreement and continue to fight climate change through every means possible. Otherwise, our homes, finances, and overall economy are sure to take a hit. 

Resources: 

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/climate-change-deniers-are-propping-up-home-prices-in-waterfront-communities-research-suggests-2019-11-07 

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-fed-climate-change/fed-sees-climate-change-shaping-economy-policy-idUSKBN1XI218 

 

McDonald’s To Go Solar in Texas

Imagine if your fast food was made by the power of the sun – while we aren’t quite there yet, one major fast food giant is making major #solar strides. McDonald’s has recently opted to “go solar”, following the path of other big corporations. It has recently agreed to two power purchase contracts, through which renewable #energy generated by solar and wind projects in #Texas will be purchased.  

Long Term Solar Plans 

A spokesperson for McDonald’s described the agreement related to solar and wind power as large scale and long-term. And this solar plan isn’t far off in the future, as construction is expected to begin within the next few months. Combined energy produced from contribution to the solar and wind projects should come to roughly 380 megawatts.  

The energy generated by the wind and solar projects is not going to be directly routed to McDonald’s offices and restaurants; however, it is going to contribute to the total renewable energy which is available to the grid. According to a spokesperson for McDonald’s, the energy that is produced is going to be the equivalent of more than 2,500 restaurants in terms of electric power.  

McDonald’s and Wind & Solar Power 

In terms of the wind power, it will come from #Aviator Wind West (Coke County, Texas) and is expected to add up to 220 MW. Another company you are sure to be familiar with that is purchasing energy from Aviator Wind East is Facebook. The name of the solar project is a solar secret – it has not been revealed.  

Chief supply chain and sustainability officer at McDonald’s, Francesca DeBiase, discussed how the solar and wind projects in the U.S. are representative of the company’s efforts to address climate change. The wind and solar projects build on years of clean energy sourcing in European markets. 

McDonald’s has mentioned a goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions from administrative centers and restaurants by 2030 to the tune of 36 percent by 2030 (from a 2015 baseline). The corporation has also discussed a desire to cut emissions intensity for each metric ton of packaging and food by 31 percent by the year 2030 – again, compared to 2015. The Science Based Targets Initiative has approved these objectives. Going solar is a huge, admirable endeavor and working to benefit the planet in any way possible is worth talking about.  

The solar and wind investment being made by McDonald’s is going to generate roughly $200 million in terms of local tax revenue in the state of Texas. It is expected to provide approximately 600 short-term jobs in construction and other areas, too.  

Major Corporations, Major Solar Efforts  

Of course, McDonald’s is far from the only major corporation committed to going solar. Many other firms in the United States have signed clean energy deals in recent history. Those companies include Amazon, which recently announced new renewable energy projects, including one in Scotland. Microsoft is another company that signed a 15-year power purchase contract for energy produced by a North Carolina solar power facility.  

Clearly, McDonald’s isn’t the only major corporation going solar. But also worth mentioning is the fact that the solar/wind investment is part of its plan to make big overall improvements. Some of the other improvements being made relevant to the environment include eliminating foam and making efforts to lessen the environmental impact resulting from cups. The company has a platform called #Scale for Good, through which it is attempting to see all its guest packaging come from recycled sources by 2025.  

It is great to see companies with huge platforms making a “solar” difference for the planet. Going solar is just one step. There are many things companies and individuals can do to help our environment. Get ideas by staying on top of solar news and stay in the know. Think about efforts you can make in your community, whether that might entail using solar panels or even making the choice to use less plastic in day to day life.  

Sources: 

https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/08/mcdonalds-signs-long-term-deals-for-texan-wind-and-solar-energy.html 

https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/operations/mcdonalds-buys-some-renewable-energy 

Solar Power is Coming to Space, According to the Airforce

In the race to replace traditional #energy methods with #solar energy, the United States is setting its sights on space. The Airforce Research Laboratory (AFRL) in Albuquerque is currently working on a #space-based solar energy satellite. In collaboration with Northrop Grumman, an American global aerospace and defense technology company, the AFRL is aiming to create a satellite system that will gather #solar energy from space, convert it into radio frequencies, and channel it back down to Earth. The primary goal is that the space-based #solar power project will provide energy for remote military base operations. 

The project is known as the Space Solar Power Incremental Demonstration and Research project, or SSPIDR, and will cost more than $100 million to create and launch. AFRL’s Space Vehicles Director, Colonel Eric Felt, told the Albuquerque Journal that “to ensure Department of Defense mission success, we must have the energy we need at the right place at the right time.”  

Major Tim Allen stated that the project is primarily to help replace convoy power deliveries used by troops. With the ability to send solar power from space to targeted areas, troops will no longer have to escort power convoys and are more likely to remain safe. The overall goal of the space-based solar system will be reliable, “wireless power transmission,” according to Allen.  

Details of the Space-Based Solar Array  

Developers of the AFRL space-based solar system are planning on creating a constellation of satellites with solar panels, spanning nearly 10,000-square meters across. The goal is that the solar energy gathered from the space structure can be targeted towards and electronically steered to specific locations. Rachel Delaney, the systems engineer for the space-based solar project, is currently working with a team to develop different demonstrations that will allow them to work out the details for a large-scale prototype.  

Some of the biggest challenges Delaney and her team will face involve combating thermal damages that the solar structure may incur, as well as supporting a mammoth solar array of this size in orbit.  

Increasing Interest in Space-Based Solar  

Beaming solar energy from space back to Earth is not a new concept. In fact, the idea of space-based solar energy production has been around since the 1960s. However, it has not been a technologically realistic nor cost-effective possibility until recently. Part of the AFRL’s challenge in moving forward with space-based solar energy will be to find out just how cost-effective such an idea will be. 

The good news is that with space-based solar energy, the solar panels can operate 24/7. According to Ali Hajimiri, an electrical engineering professor at the California Institute of Technology and director of their Space Solar Power Project, space-based solar has access to a constant power source. With no clouds, atmosphere, weather, or other obstructions, solar arrays in space can soak up the sun’s rays without interference or dependence on a day and night cycle. 

Space-Based Solar: The Solution to Earth’s Energy Crisis? 

Hajimiri, as well as other scientists and leaders that are pushing for space-based solar, are optimistic that we could test the first solar array in space within the next few years. Former NASA scientist, John Mankins, estimates that a space-based solar system could generate a constant flow of nearly 2,000 gigawatts of power. This is a massive upgrade in output compared to Earth’s largest solar production farm in Aswan, Egypt, which only produces 1.8 gigawatts of energy for the region. 

If scientists can find a way to build a successfully space-based solar energy system that is both cost-effective and efficient, we could see “virtually limitless and sustainable energy” provided to various markets and cities worldwide, according to Mankins. Mankins warns, however, that other problems, such as geopolitics, could hinder progress. 

Even though the AFRL space-based solar system will be used primarily for military operations, Delaney and Allen are hopeful that this solar project will be useful in the future for delivering solar energy to remote areas and other non-military communities around the world. Before long, we may just find that our energy on Earth is provided by space-based solar arrays floating in the atmosphere. 

Resources: 

https://www.abqjournal.com/1386648/afrl-looks-to-beam-solar-energy-from-space.html 

https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottsnowden/2019/03/12/solar-power-stations-in-space-could-supply-the-world-with-limitless-energy/ 

Climate Change: Thousands Invited to Participate in Citizens’ Assembly

#Climate change has become one hot topic. Many are standing their ground and demanding more action to combat the negative impact climate change is having on our planet. And now, letters are being sent to thousands of households – 30,000, to be more precise – across the UK urging people to take part in a citizens’ assembly on climate change.  

Did you know…following recommendations by the Committee on Climate Change (CCC), the UK became the first major economy to implement an objective of attaining net zero emissions by 2050. It is an admirable goal, but according to many, it’s too little too late.  

Climate Change: Citizens’ Assembly Details 

Once the aforementioned thousands of participants are selected to partake in the citizens’ assembly, the meeting will take place in 2020. The conclusion will end up being shared with Parliament.  

Cross party MPs set up this climate change focused initiative, and will explore what members of the public can do in an effort to reduce CO2. As previously mentioned, the government has pledged to cut carbon emissions by 2050 to net zero. But is this enough?  

Chair of the BEIS (otherwise known as Business, #Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee), #Rachel Reeves, mentioned how a clear roadmap would be required to attain the aforesaid goal. BEIS is one of six committees that commissioned the climate change assembly. Reeves mentioned the importance of public support for equitable solutions.  

It is clear that the people, government, and Parliament must work together to address the challenge of climate change. 

How were the invitees selected to attend Climate Assembly UK? The short answer is – at random. From the ones who respond, just 110 will be selected as a characteristic sample of the population. They will meet from late January over a time frame of four weekends in Birmingham. Discussions will include transportation issues relevant to climate change, as well as household energy usage, in addition to other topics.  

Climate Change: The Time to Act is Now 

#Extinction Rebellion is a name making waves in recent history, as they are becoming known for their protests. This is an environmental campaign group that is demanding a citizens’ assembly on climate change. The organization thinks a citizens’ climate change assembly is a good step, but they want to see carbon emissions cut to net zero earlier than 2050. #Linda Doyle, a spokesperson, discussed how waiting three decades to reach zero net carbon emissions is dangerous for people all across the globe. Doyle discussed how certain tipping points resulting from climate change are irreversible. It is critical that action is taken before irreparable damage occurs due to climate change.  

Public Support for Climate Change Action

#Friends of the Earth is an environmental group that has mentioned how citizens’ assemblies could play an important role when it comes to policy-making. And head of political affairs at Friends of the Earth (FOE), Dave Timms, mentioned how tackling the emergency surrounding climate change with the needed speed is going to necessitate adjustments to our infrastructure, economy and society – therefore, agreement among citizens is important. Timms discussed how there is already widespread support from the public for climate change action, but politicians need to get on board.  

Perhaps this is where citizens’ assemblies will come in. Citizens’ assemblies have been used in a number of countries. For instance, a panel of just under 100 people was established back in 2016 to examine topics such as abortion in Ireland. This notion just illustrates how these assemblies are utilized.  

Climate change is something that many people care about – and citizens’ assemblies might be yet another way to demonstrate that change is desired and needed. Clearly, these assemblies are used across the globe – could this be the next step in taking action to combat climate change? The UK – better yet, the entire planet, needs to explore how to end contributions to climate change. Citizens’ assemblies might be one such way to do this. The end goal is a healthier planet. Is this feasible? Keep following climate change stories to stay up-to-date on the latest events and happenings. There are climate change protests happening as this article is being written, and other efforts being made to fight for action on climate change. 

Are you on board? 

Sources: 

https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-50264797 

https://www.accountancydaily.co/mps-invite-30000-citizens-climate-change-assembly