Net Zero and other environmental issues in Surrey

“Net zero” means no longer adding to the total amount of greenhouse gases (notably CO 2 ) in the atmosphere, with the aim of reducing the effects of climate change. Just prior to leaving office in 2019, PM Theresa May tabled a motion in the House of Commons to mandate the UK to reach net zero by 2050. Despite MPs having absolutely no idea how this could be achieved in practice, the motion was passed into law virtually unanimously.

In 2019 people had little idea of the potential impact of net zero on their everyday lives and many were enthusiastic about this approach. Most County Councils (including Surrey (SCC)) declared a “Climate Emergency” to encourage the government to move faster towards net zero.

During the last 5 years the UK has indeed reduced its emissions, mainly by exporting vast swathes of manufacturing to China and other places. These countries have been increasing their emissions and any further reductions by the UK will have negligible effect on the world’s climate.

It is now clear that the Net Zero mandate will ban the sale of new internal combustion vehicles (ICEs) and gas boilers. People will be forced into buying expensive electric vehicles (EVs) and unsuitable heat pumps. The government claims that building more wind turbines and solar farms will reduce consumer energy costs, but the pricing mechanism for renewables means that energy bills will continue to increase. Reform UK have pledged to scrap the Net Zero mandate.

The present government are already planning to accelerate the progress towards Net Zero by overriding local planning procedures. In Surrey, the 2019 climate emergency declaration gives government “carte blanche” to impose wind turbines and solar farms against the wishes of residents. Do you want to see wind turbines on Box Hill or Leith Hill? Do you want to see solar farms on the green fields of Surrey? Furthermore, both kinds of development will require connection to the grid via unsightly pylons. Plans are already afoot to construct solar farms near Fetcham and Reigate.