The British public is being asked to calculate how their preferred path to a greener future would impact climate targets, as well as their own pockets, by using a new online tool.
The interactive climate calculator allows people to pick and choose their preferred policies when it comes to things like flying, diet, public transport and home heating, and assess how close this would bring the UK towards its 2030 emissions target.
As part of the UK’s international climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, Britain has committed to cut carbon emissions by 68% based on 1990 levels by the end of this decade.
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Users of the calculator can see the impact that each policy change would have on the UK’s climate goals as well as on their lifestyle, including on jobs, household budgets and tax bills.
They can consider policy options from taxing frequent fliers to adding heat pumps to homes, and lowering the motorway speed limit to 60mph.
The project was developed by think tank Demos, nature charity WWF, National Grid and Scottish Power, who say it is designed to be quick and easy and accessible to anyone, no matter how much they know about climate change.
Charles Seaford, senior fellow at Demos, said the public had the “greatest opportunity yet” to “step into the shoes of our political leaders and set out your ideal path to net zero”.
“Whether it’s investment in a charging network for electric cars or making low carbon central heating affordable, we’re urging you to make your voice heard on climate policies that will have an impact on you and your community,” he said.
Sky News has launched the first daily prime time news show dedicated to climate change.
The Daily Climate Show is broadcast at 6.30pm and 9.30pm Monday to Friday on Sky News, the Sky News website and app, on YouTube and Twitter.
Hosted by Anna Jones, it follows Sky News correspondents as they investigate how global warming is changing our landscape and how we all live our lives.
The show also highlights solutions to the crisis and how small changes can make a big difference.