Saving the planet means going beyond our own process. We know the system is broken and one way to bring the consequences of production back into the circle of influence is to make those responsible pay for their carbon. Most polluter's are't paying for the damage they do, so who is? While the answer might be everyone, those in vulnerable positions suffer more. From rat infestations to wildfires, flooding and heatwaves, this last year has brought to light some extreme weather conditions and their human effects. Scientists have recently issued a code red for the climate, stating the irreversible effects of climate change, uncovering the pace that this is happening and declaring, with certainty, human's hand in causing the crisis. In Malawi, where we carry out most of our projects, sustenance farming is still widespread and the changing weather conditions have put the livelihoods of millions at risk, contributing to greater violence towards women! These are often the people emitting the least pollution and this is why something needs to be done to make the big producers and consumers pay.
Fossil-fuel related air pollution kills 64,000 people in the UK every year, yet the Government continues to provide annual fossil fuel subsidies of £10.5 billion, according to the European Commission. To drive progress against the UK’s climate targets, the Government must phase out fossil fuel subsidies and make polluters more accountable for the impact that their emissions have on the health of people and planet. That’s why Zero Carbon Campaign was started in 2019, calling for the Government to introduce stronger, fairer, and more effective carbon charging. A ‘carbon charge’ is a form of pollution tax that requires people who produce, use or distribute fossil fuels to pay for every tonne of greenhouse gas that enters the atmosphere. It will encourage industries and organisations to reduce their emissions by switching to lower-carbon alternatives, and could also raise £27billion per year by 2030. To ensure that carbon charges do not unfairly impact those who cannot afford to pay, funds should also be used to support low-income households through the low-carbon transition.
With the campaign's aim of reaching 100,000 signatures, 11 year old Jude recently embarked on a 200 mile journey from Yorkshire, walking 21 days until he reached Westminster. The aim: to get politicians to take the campaign seriously and raise awareness for a mission which has many more brilliant supporters , including Gina Martin - here to explain what and why we need a carbon tax. It's time to stop letting big businesses get away with irresponsible profit targets. If you want to show your support, sign the petition today!
