Here is what we covered:

1. Carbon footprinting tool for farmers
2. Energy network digitalisation for net zero by 2030
3. Who determines the future companies and politicians or citizens?
4. Climate curriculum for schools

It seems that most find it difficult to attend in-person meetings, so we’re likely to go back to an all zoom format with the occasional face to face.

1. In previous meetings we’d discussed extending the CFT & Carbon Intensity Lookup tools to provide additional detail for Carbon Intensities (CI) of food items as well as sector-specific items. Unfortunately, there are only two of us doing this work so don’t get round to doing it. Luckily other organisations are starting to produce free accessible tools, we’ve previously discussed the AECB and RICS efforts in providing building material CIs.
   Farm Carbon Calculator is another good example. The tool is aimed at farming businesses so is quite comprehensive. They publish their methodology and CI sources/calculations. An initial examination suggests this is a useful calculator which ACT may want to reference.
   
2. NESO has started to provide some useful data on both the electricity and gas networks. Carbon intensities of the electricity grid was discussed in several recent meetings with links to their portal. You can also register to receive a newsletter from NESO.
   They are currently developing a Digitalisation Plan, an important element of reaching electricity grid near-net by 2030 (that is 85-95% renewables/nuclear generation). ACT will not be responding direct to this consultation, relying instead on Regen and others to do this. However, if you’d like to be involved, please contact me.
   
3. Opinion has been divided on who should act to effect major reductions in ghg emissions. If it is corporations and politicians, it seems odd that they sometimes seem desperate to win our custom or vote. Even to the extent where they feel the need to greenwash their products or set policies which are more to do with appeasement than leadership. An AI search of the internet suggests that “While consumers may not always feel they have ultimate power over corporations, their collective actions and feedback have a significant impact on the marketplace and can ultimately force businesses to adapt to changing consumer preferences and values”.
   A typical example in the banking sector is this policy pledge. Others go further and give customers advice on what they can do. There is myriad more examples in all sectors, not all are actually implemented, so it’s up to us as consumers to check corporate action before we buy, there are always alternatives.
   It may also feel like the media and social discourse is tilting away from doing our bit to secure a habitable planet for future generations. This is certainly not reflected in the numerous surveys on the subject. Maybe it is just the final kicks of a dying argument? If so, it would be better to put our efforts into helping the vast majority who are on board to act effectively.

• It’s good to see the government delivering on some of their pledges. Schools in particular can access new funds to decarbonise. There is now a GCSE in Natural History.

Written by Fuad

Energy group coordinator

fuad@actionclimateteignbridge.org