#greenprint2020

By Aisha Brown

Climate change is an issue that affects every one of us more each day, yet while adults increasingly make the effort to protect the environment and the Earth’s future, there is no denying that the true leaders in the fight against the melting ice-caps, the devastating natural disasters and all the other destructive consequences of global warming lies with the younger generation. The children of today will have to bare the brunt of climate change at a level more intense than what we currently face and should therefore be equipped and motivated to make a sustainable difference. So if young people are the pioneers of a more aware and environmentally-conscious Earth, why propose to remove the topic of global warming from the National Curriculum?

It seems to me that the hazy understanding of what exactly is happening to the planet, in understandable scientific terms, is one of the main reasons why some people are reluctant to take action against climate change in the first place. Kids and adults alike need to be properly educated regarding the issue in order to know how exactly they can go about tackling it. While it is true that teachers standing in front of a board, trying to ignite a spark of interest into a group of children who would probably much rather be watching a movie won’t guarantee the environmental campaigners of the future, at least they’ll understand the basics.

By Marie Dunnion (Animal Voice)

Welcome to my first blog!  I am very excited to have the opportunity to share with you some of my recent musings and experiences around the themes of veganism, animal welfare and the environment. Traditionally, discussion of these subjects is rather heavy going, but my intention is for this online space to be a positive forum in which to communicate some information which I hope you will take away with you to improve your own lives, that of other humans and animals, and the very wellbeing of Mother Nature herself.  

As a very brief introduction to “who I am,” I have been and continue on a unique spiritual journey, which started with the discovery of complementary therapies for human-beings, and has currently extended to training as an animal healer. Through my love for animals, every fibre of my body has guided me away from eating meat, fish, or any other food containing animal products e.g. eggs, milk, butter. The facts which I am about to share confirms that adopting such a vegan diet has been a very wise choice for reducing the suffering of animals and improving the health of Planet Earth.

While we are all now familiar with the worthy arguments for recycling, using our car less, or reducing electricity usage, we are probably a lot less accustomed to reports which urge us to give up meat. However, according to the United Nations (UN), “The livestock sector emerges as one of the top two or three most significant contributors to the most serious environmental problems, at every scale from local to global.” Please pause for a moment, take a breath, and digest the enormity of this fact.

If you are concerned about climate change, one of the greatest contributions that you can personally make is to entirely give up or reduce your meat consumption. The UN statistics are testimony to this. Livestock production currently accounts for 18% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, while cars and transport account for just 14%. Animal farming uses vast amounts of land, energy and water, as well as producing a lot of methane and nitrous oxide from manure management and the animals’ own gaseous emissions.

Response from Greenprint 2020 young people to the news that the UK's greenhouse gas emissions rose by 3% in 2010, and are not falling fast enough to meet government targets:

Are we the forgotten generation? 

UK greenhouse gas emissions are not falling fast enough according to the Committee on Climate Change.  Every month of delay will have a profound impact on young people like us throughout the world.  Failure to act will hit us financially, will create more disruption in our lives and will increase suffering. 

We are trying to change things in a positive way. We have created a Greenprint vision that sets out a sustainable future.  We have provided practical ideas on how companies and government can join with us to create a better world.  But our efforts seem to be falling on deaf ears.

Our question to government and business is simple. What more do we need to do to be heard to avoid being the forgotten generation? 

Sincerely

Sian Ryan, Duong Tran, Emily Hamilton and Sandra Lipni on behalf of the Greenprint 2020 Steering Group.

Eleanor Gill, Patrick Lyons, Rowan Boase, Adam Blatchford, Heather Poore, Andrea Yaluma, Georgina Shiplee, Ellen Dobbs, Keisha Gounden and Ruth Whincup on behalf of the further movement's membership. 

Greenprint 2020 vision

In 2020: 

People are increasingly working in the green economy, contributing to the growing numbers of young people interested in science and engineering. As a result, the UK is an international leader in environmental technology, research and science, and at the forefront of green innovation and solutions. 

The education system allows young people to take ownership of practical environmental initiatives, giving them the skills to truly make a difference. Sustainability is embedded in the curriculum giving young people new knowledge and skills. Students play a leading role in helping schools operate to the highest environmental standards and become focal points within the community. 

Companies are operating more sustainably, with greater consideration given to the requirements of local communities and society. A tighter legislative regime requires stronger environmental and social practices. There are a growing number of award schemes recognising companies that are demonstrating green leadership. Companies are providing high quality information to their customers enabling them to make well informed decisions.

Practical solutions are being driven at a local level. Local authorities provide services that make it easier for people to live sustainably. Companies are increasingly seeking to source products as locally as possible. Social enterprises are being created, helping communities to become more resilient to environmental change. 

The dynamics of neighbourhoods are changing as more people are working from home. People are travelling shorter distances to work giving them more leisure and volunteering time in their local area.

Your response*:

• 80% would like to see a growing interest in science and engineering at schools due to increasing demand for these skills.

• 76% would like people to spend more time volunteering in their local community.

• 66% of people would like to see high carbon taxes that result in companies investing heavily in sustainable development

* All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 1053 UK 16-24 year olds. Fieldwork was undertaken between 13th - 17th January 2011.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults aged 16-24. Copies of the research are available from Global Action Plan.

Greenprint 2020 vision

In 2020: 

Tax has increased for two car households, which has led to an increase in car sharing schemes, pedestrianisation of some streets, and the allocation of cycling lanes as more people look for options other than driving. 

Cycling schemes are common place at work and in school, and with rewards for walking or cycling, it’s standard for people to walk distances of less than a mile. Roads are clearer and air quality is improved, lowering asthma rates.

People are able to jump on quicker, cleaner, faster trains from their local station thanks to the reopening of old stations and easier access routes. With major investments in alternative fuels, renewably powered public transport is abundant.

The census now collates green data on the routes people travel most, helping to direct public money to improving public services, extending routes, and trialling trams and new forms of transport. Where investments are made in new routes, the impact of construction is considered and recycled materials are used.

People are more appreciative of the impact of air travel. Due to a limit on air miles per person, people find other ways to commute, travel and holiday. They use technology to minimise use of travel for work and have found benefits to health and workload in doing so.

Your response* :

• 87% would like people to cycle and walk more for local travel. 

• 68% liked the idea of spending less time at work and increasingly working from home.  

• 57% of respondents disliked the suggestion of having limits placed on air mile

* All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 1053 UK 16-24 year olds. Fieldwork was undertaken between 13th - 17th January 2011.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults aged 16-24. Copies of the research are available from Global Action Plan.

Greenprint 2020 vision

In 2020: 

People have a greater understanding and appreciation of what goes into their food, with a focus on how it is grown, how it looks and tastes, and the energy it requires from field to fork.

Local food initiatives abound, with communities coming together to make the best use of available land, including balconies and rooftops. Community gardening has helped people focus on growing foods that suit microclimates, and created excitement around regional produce and seasonal foods. People feel less inclined to waste food, and are passionate about food quality and cooking.

Organic farming is a mainstream standard and the words “healthy food” describe what’s healthy for both people and the planet. Demands for greener options have resulted in the redirection of subsidies to lower-carbon foods. Diets have shifted away from meat and dairy and increased investment in organic and local production has made these choices more affordable.

Internationally, government is working with countries reliant on exports, particularly with vulnerable areas such as the rainforests, to help them develop new revenue schemes.

Your response* :

• 42% of young people were supportive of the idea of eating less meat and dairy, 20% didn’t know or had no opinion whilst 38% disliked the idea.  

• 78% would like more people to grow their own food.

• 46% of people would like GM foods to be more acceptable

* All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 1053 UK 16-24 year olds. Fieldwork was undertaken between 13th - 17th January 2011.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults aged 16-24. Copies of the research are available from Global Action Plan.

Greenprint 2020 vision

In 2020:

People live in homes that are built to the highest environmental standards, many of which will generate their own energy. Environmental design is flourishing with roof gardens a common sight in cities and towns. Most homes collect and reuse rainwater. Smart technology enables people to understand the environmental impact of their homes, and gives them the ability to remotely control the way their home operates.

Increasingly, retailers only stock products that meet high environmental and ethical standards. At the same time, unsustainable choices are increasingly costly and marginalised. Aspirations and values have shifted: sustainable living is now seen as the glamorous choice. Environmental knowledge is a powerful tool driving consumer decision making. 

People choose to do the right thing for the environment and are incentivised by rewards for reuse, recycling and efficient energy use. A growing number of people are joining together to create strong local community initiatives.

People lead healthier, more active lives. Healthcare policies support the most vulnerable populations. Medicine and drugs are more sustainably produced, the importance of maintaining biodiversity to develop new cures is realised, and plant and seed banks have been created for the production of preventative medicines. A growing number of policies are in place to curb the unsustainable growth of the world’s population.

Your response:

• 89% stated that they would like to see people living more sustainably.

• 72% want retailers to stock only products that meet high environmental standards.

• 84% would like homes to utilise natural resources such as rainwater.

• 61% of respondents would like to see policies in place to curb global population growth.

* All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 1053 UK 16-24 year olds. Fieldwork was undertaken between 13th - 17th January 2011.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults aged 16-24. Copies of the research are available from Global Action Plan.

By Sian Ryan

Environmental charity Global Action Plan recently conducted significant research into the green visions of 1,052 young people aged 16-24, revealing that young people are refreshingly optimistic about achieving a sustainable future. The question is whether the key decision makers of today are making the commitments required to make young people’s cleaner, brighter vision, a reality.

The government recently announced that they plan to commit Britain to a ‘legally binding’ target to reduce carbon emissions by 80% in 2050 and by 50% in 2025. To achieve this target we will need to see and increase in the production of electric cars and vans by 60% in the year 2030 and renewable energy should account for at least 15% of the total energy consumptions by the year 2020. This is certainly a step in the right direction, but it is by no means a battle won.

The announcement comes after an open letter was sent to David Cameron from 15 green organisations urging the government to make the right choice and commit to significant carbon reduction targets.  It seems that this prompting may have been an important factor leading the government to take stronger action on climate change. So, on the one hand it is greatly reassuring to know that the government is willing to listen to the advice of these organisations, but on the other begs the questions, why does a government which has declared itself as aspiring towards the title of "greenest government ever" need to be prompted to take action on climate change?

One of the biggest issues surrounding this announcement is that although the government is happy to tell us exactly where they want emissions to be by 2050, they have provided very little indication of how they intend to get to this point. The reductions are high and without robust plans, casts doubt on whether they are achievable as well as concern over exact tactics planned to implement the change. For example, Global Action Plan’s research explains that young people envision a future where UK energy suppliers use a diverse range of renewable energy. However, much of the speculation surrounding this announcement has stressed nuclear energy as the most likely option for Britain.

Nuclear power already accounts for 20% of the UK’s supplied electricity and it has been suggested that 3 more nuclear reactors may be built in the UK. Global action Plan’s research shows that young people are divided on this issue and as a result their position on the matter is neutral. However, if a strong shift towards this type of energy occurs we may find that the government is leading us down a path that many young people are uncomfortable with. Never the less we will have to face the consequences of the decisions made now.

On a positive note, the government plans have been seen by many as a significant step towards a growing green industry sector which was an ambition clearly laid out by young people in Global Action Plan’s research - many participants envisioned a future where the UK is a “leader in environmental technology, research and science and at the forefront of green innovation and solutions” and it seems that this is also the vision of many senior government ministers.

One of the most significant findings of Global Action Plan’s research is that young people are calling for stronger government leadership and the announcement implies we can have more faith in the government’s commitment to a greener future. However, I fear that that with vague plans of action, division in parliament and a government needs cattle prodding; there are no guarantees of this leadership after all. Further to this, there is talk of a get out clause if other EU countries do not match our targets… maybe they need reminding of the definition of leader, again.  So we are left with high hopes surrounded in great uncertainty but what is clear, is that it is still imperative we, as young people, need to sing from the rooftops to make our voices heard, drawing on the support of groups like Global Action Plan and credible visions like Greenprint 2020.

Energy Secretary to reveal UK long-term carbon targethttp://www.ifandp.com/article/0011226.html 

Coalition commits Britain to legally binding emission cutshttp://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/may/14/historic-climate-change-deal-agreed-chris-huhne 

David Cameron in danger of breaking green pledge, warn green groupshttp://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/may/14/david-cameron-breaking-green-pledge 

Cameron intervenes to settle row over emissions targetshttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-13409404