GB Energy must live up to scale of climate crisis
The UK government must take bold and radical climate action and ensure that GB Energy lives up to the scale of the crisis we are in, say the Scottish Greens, who have called for a revolution in renewables.
Commenting on the launch of GB Energy, the party’s co-leader, Patrick Harvie, said: “The climate crisis is the greatest crisis we have ever faced. We need ambition and action beyond anything we have seen before if we are to make the transition to a greener economy that works for our communities and our planet.
“We will always welcome new investment in renewables, and I’m pleased that the Government is now promising public ownership of our energy resources, after a prolonged period of ambiguity. But Labour must ensure that this doesn’t become yet another cash cow for private investors. The Government must not let GB Energy become a nuclear money-pit.
“Our immediate focus must be on cutting our reliance on fossil fuels and building a revolution in renewables. A vehicle like GB Energy could play an important role, but only if it is underpinned by real climate ambition and the resources required to deliver it.
“That means finally breaking the link between gas and electricity prices. That is how we can cut bills straight away, making zero-carbon technology affordable for more people, and making it cheaper and easier to warm our homes and buildings with clean, green renewable energy.
“At the same time as we are building our renewables capacity, we also need an immediate halt to all new oil and gas exploration and to scrap the dozens of licences that the Tories handed out in a climate wrecking splurge.
“There is no time to waste. Warm words are not enough. We need bold and radical action if we are to avert climate breakdown. GB Energy could be a step in the right direction, but it is only the start of what needs to be done.”
