16th June
I’m currently reading Promise the Earth: A Safe Climate in Good Faith by Julian Allwood and Andrew Davison. (1)
The main thrust of Allwood’s argument is that, with less than 14 years until the 2050 deadline that scientists give for protecting us against the worst outcomes climate change, we don’t have time to rely on technological interventions such as carbon capture, hydrogen power or sustainable aviation fuel. Instead we must embrace a programme of restraint. ie we need to reduce substantially what we consume where and whenever that uses fossil fuels or adds to carbon emissions. But as he repeatedly says, this does not mean a life of lack and misery for there is so much to enjoy in life – friends and family, meals, walks in the country side, gardening, cycling, the arts etc etc.
The four key areas for restraint that Allwood highlights, are our use of:
- gas for heating air and water at home;
- petrol or diesel in cars;
- fossil-fuel-powered aeroplanes; and
- consumption of beef, lamb, rice and dairy foods. (Page 194)
The Green Tau 