Greenprint 2020

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 

Committee on Climate Change - The Renewable Energy Review 9 May 2011http://www.theccc.org.uk/reports/renewable-energy-review 

By Sian Ryan

Greenprint  2020 is an exciting new Climate Squad project. In these unstable times many young people are feeling like their voices are not being heard: Global Action Plan is one organisation which has recognised this and aims to empower young people in the fight against climate change. One of the most recent endeavours of this project has been to find out what young people think about climate change and their vision of a sustainable future. The project ‘Greenprint 2020’ is still underway and has so far involved over 4000 young people.

In partnership with YouGov, Global Action Plan conducted significant research involving 1,053 16-25 year olds from the UK. One of the most interesting findings is that 33% of those involved in the survey feel that the government does not listen to their views which makes them more reluctant to taking action against climate change. However, despite this, 82% of those taking part have still taken action. This shows that even when many young people feel their views are not being taken into consideration; the majority are still dedicating a lot of time and energy into making a positive difference. Climate Squad therefore intend to give young people what they deserve for their efforts and ensure their voices are being heard.

Global Action Plan’s research illustrates how young people are crying out for support from the government in this matter and they are not satisfied with the governments approach to dealing with this matter today. Greenprint 2020 therefore plans to involve businesses and government in helping to reach the overall vision.

In increasingly difficult times it is great to see an organisation which is looking forward and involving the wider community in creating a brighter future. As someone who has volunteered with them for over 18 months I can honestly say that it has been a truly uplifting experience. I have learnt so much and had a wealth of exciting experiences. I would advise anyone who is looking to volunteer for the Greenprint 2020 project, to go for it. Volunteering with Climate Squad is certainly one of the best things I have ever done.