In October 2021 the UK government published its policy paper for Net zero, ‘Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener’ with, as the title suggests, two main themes. The first is the aim of decarbonising all sectors of the economy by 2050. The date is significant because according to scientists at the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on climate change (IPCC), if by the middle of this century global temperatures have exceeded pre-industrial levels by 1.5 degrees Celsius, we face the threat of losing the ability to meaningfully affect the climate. Beyond this point, current threshold control systems could be breached leading to exponential rises in global temperatures.

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The second is to take advantage of the economic and job creating opportunities afforded by climate change and to take the industrial, business and technical lead in developing the new technologies that will enable Net Zero, at least in the UK, to be realised by 2050. As the report states “the UK can get ahead of the pack and make the birthplace of the industrial revolution the home of the new Green Industrial Revolution.” Its strategy covers the key areas of: Power Generation, Fuel Supply and Hydrogen, Industry, Heat & Buildings, Transport, Natural Resources, Waste and Fluorinated Gases and Green House Gas removal.  

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While it is often cited that the UK is only responsible for two per cent of global emissions, this is in absolute terms. On a per capita basis (how much we emit per person) the figures rise to 13th among the G20 for greenhouse gases and 11th for C02 emissions. (Source: Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit). Thus, if we want the to reduce the remaining 98%, as a country we must be seen to be doing our bit. And we are. Furthermore, first mover advantage has the potential to create major economic opportunities for exporters in the years to come.  

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Thus, such a significant moment in history requires commentary, elucidation, analysis and most importantly information. This is where, we hope, Green Transition Technology (GTT) can play its part to help business across all sectors navigate this challenging path toward Net Zero. By providing the latest news, analysis and features, it hopes to become an information hub where readers can learn about new technologies and policy, share information and cross fertilise knowledge for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders.

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Lastly, GTT aims to take a pragmatic, rather than dogmatic, approach to the green transition. After all, policy much like anything else is a moving feast and will have to adapt and change to world events and UK economic health if it is to achieve its goal in the long-term. Zealously pursuing Net Zero at all costs would likely have as many negative outcomes as positive. It will be about balance. So, over the coming months and years, it will be the purpose of GTT to help others determine the path towards this future.

 

James Lavers, Editor.