23 July 2021
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3 min read
The initiative aims to build up greater knowledge of public thinking around net zero
Online tool asks public for their views on the best path to net zero emissions touching on food, energy, heating and manufacturing among other areas
People across the UK are being asked for their views on how the UK should get on track to reach net zero emissions over the coming decades, as part of an online initiative led by cross-party think tank Demos alongside conservation group WWF and energy firms National Grid and ScottishPower.
Individuals taking part will be offered the chance to use a new online tool developed by Demos and WWF dubbed the 'Climate Calculator', which enables users to choose their preferred package of solutions for tackling climate change, according to Demos.
When making policy choices on the Climate Calculator, users are shown the direct impact of decisions on jobs, household budgets and other aspects lifestyle aspects, in a bid to help them grasp the scale and ramifications of the net zero transition ahead.
The process takes around five minutes for users to complete, according to Demos, and includes questions on how ambitious the government should be on decarbonising transport, for example, touching on issues such as expanding public transport and cycling, whether there should be more investment in buses and cycling, or whether a 60mph speed limit on motorways and dual carriageways shoud be implemented to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Other net zero policy issues covered by the tool include the rollout of low carbon heating systems such as heat pumps, reducing emissions from manufacturing and construction, and whether to replace land areas currently used for farming with tree planting initiatives instead.
The initiative comes as countries gear up for the critical COP26 UN climate summit in Glasgow, which kicks off in just over 100 days' time, and also builds on the work of the pioneering Climate Assembly last year, which saw around 100 members of the public deliberate over how the UK should go about delivering on its 2050 net zero target.
Responses to the Climate Calculator will provide vital insights for the government on public opinion about the best ways to hit our 2030 climate target, explained Charles Seaford, a senior fellow at Demos.
"The Climate Assembly was a game-changer in involving people in the UK's mission to tackle climate change," he said. "Building on its success, we are now asking people across the whole of the UK to have their say on how we can meet our 2030 climate goals to save the planet, using an interactive climate tool."
Seaford added that the Climate Calculator gave people the opportunity to "step into the shoes of our political leaders" and make some of the tough decisions ahead. "Whether it's investment in a charging network for electric cars or making low carbon central heating affordable, we're urging you to make your voice heard on climate policies that will have an impact on you and your community," he said.
Keith Anderson, chief executive of ScottishPower - an official sponsor, or 'Principal Partner', of COP26 - said that, while growing numbers of businesses were now taking steps towards achieving net zero in their operations, the public also had an important role to play.
"To have a successful green energy revolution in the UK, people must be at the heart of it, with governments, regulators and industry working together to enable everyone to make better choices," he said. "This fantastic tool can help show the positive impact those changes can have and deliver a better future, quicker, for everyone."
