Action on climate change
The world is facing an unprecedented environmental crisis. But rural communities, with support, can act locally and help with a just transition to Net Zero.
Governments around the world are waking up to the fact that unless drastic action is taken, the environment in which we all live will change, wreaking havoc on our current way of life.
In the UK, the effects of climate change are beginning to be seen with increased incidence of extreme weather events such as flooding and heatwaves which threaten peoples’ homes and livelihoods.
The term Net Zero means achieving a balance between the carbon emitted into the atmosphere, and the carbon removed from it. Action is required at all levels to achieve this, from government policy, industry leaders, to communities and the actions of individual consumers.
Taking action on climate change can also benefit individuals and households. For example, government estimated 11.7% of rural households were fuel poor in 2020, many of which live in homes in urgent need of energy efficiency improvements. By focusing support and resources on those who most need it, a just transition to Net Zero can be achieved.
ACRE members are seeing a growing appetite from communities to take action on climate change. In many parts of the country, groups are seeking help with specific projects that have care for the environment in mind, many of which help contribute to contribute Net Zero.
Specific projects gaining interest include, retrofitting village halls to make them more energy efficient and Warm Hubs where attendees are helped to better manage their energy use.
Some members are already taking coordinated and concerted approach to supporting a just transition to Net Zero, sometimes in partnership with other organisations locally.
We want government to get behind rural communities and support them to take the lead in the transition to Net Zero. A mix of grant funding and regulatory changes stand to make it easier for people to work together in making their community more resilient to climate change such as flooding, as well as taking more proactive steps to meeting their own needs such community owned energy solutions.
View our specific policy recommendations for the next government here.
ACRE Network Case Study – Kirtlington Village Hall Electric Car Charging, Oxfordshire
Find out how one village hall in Oxfordshire has installed an electric car charging point alongside other energy improvements to contribute to Net Zero.