Most readers of Penny Post will probably be highly informed about their own household’s ‘carbon footprint,’ and how best to minimize it. Our actions on this front, and the conversations about it, not only with our own friends and family, but in schools, the media and organizations of all kinds, are essential in bringing home to all of us the reality and significance of the climate crisis.
However, there’s a flip side to this emphasis.
The effects of personal action are limited by the fact that we live in a world that is still, almost entirely, built on and run by fossil fuels. The emphasis on consumers ignores the role of the producers.
And many may not realize that this increasingly well-publicized focus on our own individual responsibility for the climate crisis is down to – guess who?
The fossil fuel industry.
Did you know that it was the oil company BP who spearheaded the campaign to blame individuals for climate change? In his book, The New Climate War, renowned scientist Michael E. Mann lays bare the immense disinformation exercise we’ve been subjected to, pointing out (as just one example) that it was actually BP who launched the first personal carbon footprint calculator. This is only the most striking example of the ways in which corporations protecting their own commodities have misled us about the environmental threats they pose.
There is a huge unfairness here. Those personal actions that we so assiduously promote should be supported and confirmed by government policy.
But – which policy? Or policies? With the environment facing so many crises, how do we ordinary citizens even know what to ask for?
The rare good news is the Climate and Nature Bill, now before Parliament. Written by scientists, experts and campaigners, it now has the backing of 216 MPs and Peers representing all major political parties, as well as faith groups, local councils – and trusted organizations from the W.I. to Greenpeace to the National Trust.
The campaign behind the bill, Zero Hour, describes it as ‘a plan for a new UK law that addresses climate change, global warming, and the nature crisis in line with the most up-to-date science,’ and underlines the fact that ‘The CAN Bill is the only proposed legislation before the UK Parliament that ensures a comprehensive and joined-up approach to the emergency.’
It has been put forward as a Private Members Bill (the only path for a non-party bill) by noted campaigner Ros Savage, MP, who in this video clip offers a thrilling account of her own awakening to the environmental crisis, and her excitement at the opportunity offered by this bill.
This is one of those rare moments when we can work together with some of the people and organizations we most value – and also, in sharing the possibility offered by this campaign, spread the light.
The CAN bill – what a great nickname. We CAN make it happen! Ask your MP if they will vote for the CAN bill at its second reading in Parliament on Friday 24 January 2025.
In hopes –
Judy Hindley
Co-Founder
Citizens’ Climate Lobby UK
