The Spectator

The political battle for net zero is only just beginning

Protesters opposed to the expansion of London's Ultra Low Emissions Zone demonstrating in central London (Credit: Getty images)

This may come to be remembered as the year where the global warming debate became serious. Until now, there has been a shrill quality to the discussion with emotive language used in place of reason. Yes, there’s a serious problem facing the planet – but to what extent would the proposed solutions address this problem? What are the trade offs involved? How does decarbonisation rub up against other obligations, like alleviating cost-of-living pressures and protecting the elderly from the cold?

Deadlines that once seemed far away – like the 2030 ban on new petrol cars – are now getting rather close...

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