Ian Lavery MP: Don’t let myths stop a better green future
The record breaking heat of this recent bank holiday weekend was fantastic for those who enjoy the sun.
It broke the UK record for the hottest day in May that had stood since 1942 - one of many high temperature records surpassed recently.
Sadly, it is more evidence to support the virtually universal conclusion by scientists that climate change is no longer a theory.
It is happening – and faster than previously thought.
If we continue to depend on fossil fuels that cause global warming, the future of humans on Earth will be bleak.
Extreme weather events will become even more common, leading to failed crops, droughts, wars over resources - and to millions of refugees.
There are prominent UK politicians who would put the short term profits of oil companies over avoiding mass suffering.
Why?
The money they receive from fossil fuel companies may be a clue.
Reform UK, for example, has received £12m in less than two years from Christopher Harbourne - the Thailand based businessman who made much of his fortune from aviation fuel.
He must be very pleased with Reform’s central policies of “scrapping net zero” and more drilling for North Sea oil.
Reform deny climate change and say we can have energy independence by using the North Sea - both very dangerous myths.
Climate change is obvious and any new North Sea oil drilling would take years and produce nowhere near the amount we’d need to bring down bills.
Our energy security and thousands of good quality local jobs depend on a rapid expansion of renewable energy.
The Chinese know this, as evidenced by their booming solar panel and electric car industries.
Reform UK says it would disinvest from Green renewable projects - denying the North East its best chance of industrial renewal since their idol Thatcher wiped out our industrial base.
Our region’s chance of high paid jobs in the industries of the future will be ruined in order to please his oil billionaire patrons.
Places like South East Northumberland, so well positioned to benefit from new Green jobs, will be forgotten again.
Myth peddlers in power would come at a price.