How can we avoid Net Zero being side-lined?

The warning signs are flashing.  Large chunks of the media and political leaders are using the cost-of-living crisis to not only side-line the drive towards net zero but to backtrack on existing commitments.  Historically, public concern about the environment dips during a recession so there is a real risk that this negative messaging will lead the public to conclude that net zero is an expensive luxury that can wait. 

This perception needs to be challenged.  The inflationary financial pressures we face are largely being created by a widespread resource crisis leading to food shortages and an energy crunch.  This is being hastened by the Ukrainian war and exacerbated by flooding, drought and extreme heat.  The reaction of UK politicians has been to focus on the immediate impact rather than the long-term causes which will only exacerbate the problem. 

How can we shift the narrative effectively illustrating to politicians and the public that delivering net zero will help to address rather than prolong the cost-of-living crisis?  There are five things that the sustainability movement should consider. 

Use everyday language 

It is more important than ever for the sector to use simple language that resonates with the public.  Certain media and politicians are seeking to use the vague term of ‘Net Zero’ as a catch-all for everything that is ‘woke’ and contrary to their political views.  They can do this as the term is not understood by the majority and can be manipulated to their agenda.  This can be debunked by the sector concentrating on immediate benefits of investment in insulation, renewables, cutting food waste and better public transport.   Focussing on tangible impact backed by hard evidence will create a more informed debate. 

Bills, Bills, Bills 

Crucially we need to highlight clearly and constantly how net zero action will cut bills in the short and long-term.  Nowhere is this more obvious that the need to insulate the UK’s appallingly energy inefficient homes.   A properly funded national insulation programme will cut bills, improve the quality of our homes and slash carbon.  Without insulation we are writing a blank cheque to energy companies many of whom are luxuriating in extreme profits.  Demanding an effective insulation campaign is a ‘no brainer’ likely to resonate across the country and should be a constant refrain for the movement. 

Embrace National Resilience 

The Ukrainian war has highlighted the vulnerability caused by dependence on volatile regimes for energy.  Investing in proven locally sourced renewable energy that is available immediately is the quickest and most cost-effective way to build more national resilience.  Instead, our politicians are offering people false hope championing investments in fracking and nuclear which will not solve the immediate energy crisis.  This needs to be challenged by all sectors alongside unarguable evidence about the benefits of insulation, solar and wind. 

Align with the Equity Debate 

There is growing public disquiet about the excessive profiteering of a small number of companies to the detriment of the public and the wider environment.   This provides an opportunity to reframe the debate around how our energy systems operate, how our water is treated and how public transport is provided.  Highlighting how changes in the provision of this crucial infrastructure can benefit people and hasten the transition to net zero will help to widen the number of voices behind a low carbon economy. 

Be more opportunistic 

The news agenda is moving at lightening pace.  Many of the major stories on extreme weather, the cost of food, energy bills and water pollution are directly connected to net zero ambitions.  This provides significant opportunities for the sector to get across key messages providing they are ready and able to rapidly contribute to the debate. 

The threat that the transition to net zero will be dragged into the spurious culture war debate is very real.  It is increasingly difficult for a more rationale voice to be heard in mainstream media, but we all need to do what we can to present a compelling alternative