Labour’s Rachel Reeves scraps Conservative onshore wind farm ban

Introduction

The Labour party have taken no time to hesitate in their return to leadership in the UK. Many changes have already been made by Keir Starmer and his new cabinet, with one of the latest being scrapping England’s de facto onshore wind farm ban, which was put in place by the Conservative party nine years ago. The Labour government aims to unlock the potential for onshore wind energy and accelerate the transition to Net Zero.

Why’s the onshore wind farm ban been scrapped?

Rachel Reeves, the UK’s new Chancellor of the Exchequer, called the ban “absurd”, and added that her party will be looking into whether onshore wind should be classed as a nationally significant infrastructure. This would enable larger farms to gain planning permissions much quicker than previous years.

During a speech at the Treasury in London, the Chancellor stated: “As of today we are ending the absurd ban on new onshore wind in England.”

She then went on to say: “We must acknowledge that trade-offs always exist. Any development may have environmental consequences, place pressure on services and rouse voices of local opposition, but we will not succumb to a status quo which responds to the existence of trade-offs by always saying no.

This is paralleled with Labour being committed to doubling onshore wind energy by 2030.

What did the Conservative’s onshore wind farm policy look like before it was scrapped?

Previously, onshore wind rules were treated in a different manner to other developments, meaning schemes were stopped from going ahead if there were any objections. Onshore wind farms required local consent, with sites needing approval from residents and local authorities. The policy was effectively a ban on new onshore wind farms in England and in September 2023, the BBC reported that Rishi Sunak was forced to ease the rules due to threat of revolt from Tory MPs.

Regardless, Labour have now removed the policy altogether, with Energy UK’s chief executive Emma Pinchbeck saying: “It’s excellent to see the new Government prioritise planning reforms as a key enabler for economic growth and enhancing our energy security.

Unblocking the planning system, removing the de-facto ban to double onshore wind and ensuring adequate resourcing for planning authorities are crucial steps the industry has long been calling for.”

But, why do we want more onshore wind farms?

Cited from uswitch.com, see some pros and cons below.

Pros:
– Onshore wind costs half as much as offshore wind, a quarter as much as solar power, and less than nuclear power.
– It’s very environmentally friendly – while building wind turbines involves a small amount of emissions, they have a very low carbon footprint once running.
– Onshore wind has a limited physical impact on the environment – no land poisoning, release of toxins, can be farmed around, and once removed leaves minimal impact.

– Job creation / energy independence

Cons:
– When not running, wind turbines need fossil fuel backup, especially as they take up a larger proportion of our overall energy generation.
– The turbines have a visual impact, particularly as wind farms are built on top of hills to capture the most wind.
– Further concerns are that they can impact birds and bats, and they can also produce some noise, disturbing local residents.

Summary

It’s now being made easier to build onshore wind farms. Previously, it was entirely down to local residents who could effectively decide if a wind farm/turbine was built, but now Rachel Reeves is ensuring that the decisions are taken nationally, instead of the local-first focus.

That being said, local opinion will still be considered when giving planning permission. This change by Rachel Reeves is a first step in the process of ensuring the UK generates more renewable electricity.

Have a business? How 5D Net Zero can help

5D Net Zero, a certified B Corporation, are specialists in carbon management, and we want to help your business reduce its carbon footprint, to help improve your operational efficiency, reduce costs, improve employee/customer satisfaction, and much more.

It all starts with a free 15 minute discovery call to see how we can help you. Get in touch now to see how we can help your business. The friendly team at 5D looks forward to hearing from you!

Sources:

The Independent: Rachel Reeves scraps Conservative’s ‘absurd’ onshore windfarm ban (msn.com)
gov.uk: Policy statement on onshore wind – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk )
BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-66715141#:~:text=Rishi%20Sunak%20eases%20onshore%20wind%20farm%20rules%20as%20Tory%20MPs%20threaten%20revolt,-Published&text=Prime%20Minister%20Rishi%20Sunak%20has,wind%20farms%20to%20be%20built.
Uswitch: https://www.uswitch.com/

GENERAL ELECTION 2024: wHICH UK POLITICAL PARTY WILL DO THE MOST FOR THE ENVIRONMENT?

UK political parties have revealed their manifestos ahead of the General Election on 4^th July 2024, addressing their approaches to achieving net zero among environmental policies. This blog compares the policies of the leading political parties within the UK, highlighting their commitments, strategies, and funding allocations surrounding net zero.

Net Zero

Most parties have set distinct targets for achieving net zero emissions. The Conservative and Green Party aim to reach net zero by 2050, while the Liberal Democrats and SNP target 2045. Plaid Cymru has set a net zero target of 2035 for Wales, and Labour plans to achieve zero-carbon electricity by 2030 as a milestone towards net zero. It’s also important to note, the Green Party are planning a 70% emissions reduction by 2030 and the Lib Dems would aim for a 90% reduction in the same timeframe.

Despite the overall positive stance towards net zero, Reform UK proposes to scrap net zero targets entirely within the first 100 days of Parliament, citing concerns over economic impact. 5D Net Zero struggle to accept this stance, due to the UK’s net zero economy growing 9% in 2023. Article from The Guardian here. Reform UK argues that the UK’s contribution to global emissions is relatively small and that unilateral actions may have limited effects on the overall climate change trajectory. In contrast, the remaining parties highlight the long-term economic, environmental, and social benefits of a net zero economy, focusing on green job creation, public health improvements, energy security, and global leadership.

Power

Wind as a renewable energy source for power generation is an accepted approach by many political parties. The Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrats, and Green Party all prioritise wind power and aim to expand its capacity as a key component of the UK’s energy strategy. SNP and Plaid Cymru parties look to source and manage their energy nationally, as part of their respective independence campaigns from the UK. Reform UK focuses on fast-tracking North Sea gas and oil licences – a component most political parties seek to eliminate. They also aim to develop small modular nuclear reactors and increase lithium mining.

Transport

Transport is another key area where policies vary. The transition from petrol and diesel vehicles to electric vehicles is a popular policy among the Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Green Party, Plaid Cymru, and SNP, with each setting deadlines between 2030 and 2035. These parties also have a particular focus on the development of public transport.

Funding commitments

Funding allocations underscore the scale and ambition of each party’s policies. Please refer to the list below:

UK political parties present a wide array of policies and commitments to tackle climate change and transform the energy sector. While some parties, like Labour and the Green Party, emphasise aggressive renewable energy targets and substantial funding. The conservatives, however, still plan to maintain oil and gas licenses. Divergence in strategies reflects differing priorities and visions for the country’s future, offering voters distinct choices based on their values and concerns about climate change and energy security.

Conservatives: £36bn for local transport, £44bn for Network Rail (over five years), £6bn for energy efficiency (over three years).
Labour: £7.3bn incl. £500 million for green hydrogen and £1bn for carbon capture.
Liberal Democrats: No clear funding commitments but a focus on investing in education and training for the low-carbon economy and restoring international spending.
Green Party: £49bn (over five years) for home insulation and heating system adaptations. £4bn annually on skills training, and investments in renewable infrastructure.
Reform UK: Claims scrapping net zero policies could save over £30bn annually.
SNP: £62m Energy Transition Fund for oil and gas sectors, £15m for worker retraining, £24m Climate Justice Fund.
Plaid Cymru: £4bn additional funding for transport system improvements in Wales.

Find manifestos below for the political parties mentioned in this blog:

Conservative manifesto.
Labour manifesto.
Liberal Democrats manifesto.
SNP manifesto.
Plaid Cymru manifesto.
Green Party manifesto.
Reform UK manifesto.

Big sustainability changes coming to EU companies…

EU member states have just approved the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) (24/05/24). But what does it mean for companies in, or even just operating within the EU? In this blog, 5D Net Zero will break down just what this might mean for you and your business, as well as touch on when the changes are coming into effect.

What is the CSDDD?

First proposed back in December 2022, the CSDDD is part of some big changes for Corporate sustainability in the EU. But what is it? Allow the European Commission to define this for you:

The CSDDD: “Aims to foster sustainable and responsible corporate behaviour in companies’ operations and across their global value chains. The new rules will ensure that companies in scope identify and address adverse human rights and environmental impacts of their actions inside and outside Europe.”

What will the CSDDD do?

The directive aims to enhance corporate accountability and support businesses in the transition to a more sustainable economy. With supply chains often contributing to 60-90% of a company’s environmental impact, larger businesses will be required to take responsibility for this by integrating far greater due diligence reporting throughout their operations, and report annually on their efforts.

Due diligence within corporate sustainability hasn’t been moving as fast as it could have due to how complex global supply chains can be, and the CSDDD’s goal is to move this process along more quickly.

Who does the CSDDD apply to?

The initial implementation will have two main targets for the directive:

– EU-based companies with over 1000 employees and a net global turnover of over €450m.

– Non-EU companies with a turnover of over €450m operating within the EU.

It’s clear that the targets are large companies, and SMEs may well be indirectly affected if they’re in business with these larger corporations. Having said this, there’s no need to worry, as the directive has confirmed it will provide the required support to any affected SMEs.

When does the CSDDD come into effect?

The directive will begin applying to companies in phases, starting in 2027.

2027 Onwards: businesses with over 5,000 employees and above a €1,500m turnover.

2028 Onwards: businesses with over 3,000 employees and above a €900m turnover.
2029 Onwards: businesses with over 1,000 employees and above a €450m turnover.

What happens if my business doesn’t comply?

Businesses that don’t comply in time may be penalised up to the amount of 5% of their net global turnover. The funds raised from this would then be used to ensure the victims of the businesses’ impacts are compensated. Further information about the directive can be found via the sources at the bottom of this post.

How can SMEs get ready for CSDDD?

A big part of the due diligence will be looking at governance and impact. For SMEs, this means being able to show strong governance themselves, and clear, measurable reporting on environmental impact.

This can be a complicated topic when you don’t have the inhouse knowledge or resources to get started.

However, starting with understanding, reporting and reducing your operational carbon is an easy and efficient way to start.

How can 5D Net Zero help you with this?

5D Net Zero, a certified B Corporation, are specialists in Carbon Management, and we want to help your business reduce its Carbon Footprint, to help improve your operational efficiency, reduce costs, improve employee/customer satisfaction, and much more.

It all starts with a free 15 minute discovery call to see how we can help you. Get in touch now to see how we can help your business. The friendly team at 5D looks forward to hearing from you!

With thanks to the primary sources of information for this blog:
1. European Commission: https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/doing-business-eu/corporate-sustainability-due-diligence_en
2. Following the Footprints: https://read.followingthefootprints.com/p/newsletter-140?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=240441&post_id=145002831&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=3f5c03&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

B Lab have announced some changes to the standards for B Corp Certification. In this blog, 5D Net Zero will help you answer the following questions: What are the changes to B Corp Certification? Why have B Lab changed their Certification Standards? When are the B Corp standards changing? Read on to understand all the answers…

First of all, let’s start with the basics. What exactly does it mean when a business has B Corp certification? B Lab, the non-profit organisation behind B Corporations, define a B Corp business as:

“Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified and social environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. B Corps are accelerating a global culture shift to redefine success in business and build a more inclusive and sustainable economy.”

To give you some extra context, according to B Lab’s website, there are over 8,600 B Corps in the world, in 162 different industries, throughout 99 countries, with more than 795,000 workers involved. 5D Net Zero are proud to be part of the B Corp community since the start of 2024 – read more about our inclusion here.

Previously, businesses had to achieve an 80-point minimum score on the B Impact Assessment, but a clear shift has been made. B Corp certification will now focus on foundation requirements and performance requirements.

Judy Rodrigues, who is the Director of Standards at B Lab, said: “We want to have aspiring and existing B Corps understand they have to commit to the B Corp legal requirement, which is the stakeholder governance model, within a certain period of time.”

The foundation requirements of becoming a certified B Corp will also rely heavily on whether a company has an impact business model, and will assess how its model is performing.

When describing the move from the previous 80-point score to the new 9 impact topics, Rodrigues added: “We’re moving toward an approach where all B Corps will have to meet specific requirements across nine impact topics … and continuously improve upon their impact management across these environmental, social and governance key topics.”

Speaking at Champions Retreat 2024, B Lab’s Standards Project Manager Susmita Kamath explained: “We launched this at the end of 2020 in response to the growing social and environmental crises that we are seeing across the world, with the intention of exploring the question, ‘What does leadership by businesses in this new world today look like?’”

Judy Rodrigues added “It’s about listening and responding and making sure that we are creating something that’s impactful, clear and attainable for what it means to be a B Corp and a leader in the marketplace as a force for good for people and the planet.”

Don’t let these changes worry you about recertification or initial certification though, B Lab have confirmed that the standards will include additional help in order to support businesses and offer more of an understanding of the latest expectations.

It’s important to note that these changes are currently in the proposal stage, however, if all goes to plan for B Lab, their aim is to publish the completed standards by the end of 2024. If a B Corp has a submission date in 2025, they’ll be (re)certified on the current standards. The aim for B Corps with submission dates later than January 1st 2026, is that they’ll work to meet the new standards to achieve recertification or initial certification.

It’s also important to note that from July 2024, B Lab’s preference is for the majority of recertifying companies to submit their B Impact Assessment six months before it’s due. The reason for this is to ensure enough time is afforded with the introduction of the new standards.

5D Net Zero are Carbon Management specialists who can help you reach Net Zero.

5D Net Zero are pleased to see that B Lab are updating their processes in order to keep the B Corp certification something to strive towards and celebrate.

It all starts with a free 15 minute discovery call to see how we can help you. Get in touch now to see how we can help your business. We look forward to hearing from you!

At 5D Net Zero, we aree proud to have recently achieved our B Corp Certification. It shows that we have well and truly begun our journey to net zero.

A Certified B Corporation is a company that has voluntarily met the highest standards for social and environmental performance. These standards are intentionally set high and are meant to recognise leading companies. The standards are developed independently and cover a company’s impact in key areas, including Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, and Customers.

Here at 5D Net Zero we know this will take time and effort but changing our behaviours is fundamental to reaching our ultimate goal of becoming net zero by 2030. Achieving B Corp status is a step in the right direction as it has tested and checked how we operate our business and will help us to identify where we can improve.

We believe business can, and should, be a force for good. As we celebrate B Corp Month, we reaffirm our company values of going further than profit, and looking out for all our stakeholders, including our planet.

Being part of the B Corp community is incredibly exciting as we are a part of a global community of like-minded businesses committed to driving meaningful change.

But our journey doesn’t end with certification. It’s just the beginning. We are continually seeking ways to raise the bar, innovate, and inspire others to join us in creating a more sustainable and just future for all.

Driving forward

At 5D Net Zero, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, we look to embed it in every part of our business. We also recognise that true progress requires continuous effort and a commitment to improvement. We can reflect on our progress by looking at five core areas of our business: governance; workers; community; environment and customers.

Governance: Protecting Our Mission and Values

Rigorous governance is essential to our ways of working. We look to hold ourselves to the highest standards, to ensure best practices so that we can provide the best possible service to our customers. Whether ensuring consistency of service to our clients through our ISO 14065 processes, providing accurate Carbon Footprints by using the GHG Protocol methodology, or ensuring transparent reporting through the PPN 06/21 framework, our governance is key.

As a team, we are dedicated to continuous development and education. That’s why we embrace initiatives like B Corp, which not only supports our team’s growth but also fosters collaboration and learning. By keeping ahead of the latest trends and best practices, we ensure that our ideas remain fresh and relevant, driving positive change within our organisation and beyond.

Moreover, our commitment to governance extends beyond mere compliance — it’s about embracing a holistic approach to business. We work towards the triple bottom line, where economic performance is intertwined with social investment and environmental stewardship. By balancing profitability with purpose, we strive to create value not just for our staff and our shareholders but for society at large.

Workers: Investing in Our Greatest Asset

Ensuring that everyone has a voice is paramount to the way that we work. Diversity ensures fresh and exciting ideas – and we are all about that. To enable this, our SCEW (Staff Committee for Environment and Well-being) team drives this. Firm favourites of our team must be the monthly breakfast, where workers can show off their culinary delights, or our Wednesday Walks, which includes walking up the Wey & Arun canal.

Staff wellbeing is so important – hybrid working, private healthcare and regular social gatherings are just a few of the things we offer to achieve this. This helps create a space which incubates innovation and idea-sharing.

Reaffirming our values of continuous development, career development is critical to us. Regularly taking part in courses, such as literacy training, again helps us to keep up to date with the latest trends and be able to communicate clearly with our stakeholders.

Community: Engaging and Impacting Locally

At 5D Net Zero, we’re not just about business – we’re about building connections and making a difference. That’s why we are actively involved in our community, whether its school or university students in Guildford, or the local businesses in the Surrey Hills. This includes things from educating the younger generation by bringing on local school interns, community clear-ups where we get our hands dirty, and getting involved with local businesses part of the Surrey Hills Enterprises.

Environment:

Being a net zero consultancy, preserving the environment and reducing our impact is central to how we work. We understand the urgency of reaching net-zero targets, implementing tangible initiatives, and reducing emissions. It’s not just about talk; it’s about taking action and leading by example. That’s why we ensure that our internal processes are aligned with our values of environmental sustainability. From optimising energy usage to minimizing waste, we’re dedicated to reducing our carbon footprint every step of the way. By doing this, we can confidently advise our customers on the best way forward.

However, as a company, we recognise that environmental stewardship strives further than carbon. Education and fostering a profound connection with nature are essential elements of our approach. Internally, our team recently took part in a tree planting day (a regular favourite). Albeit fun, it allowed the team to understand renewable energy resources, engage and enjoy the beautiful world around us and reflect on the importance of building a resilient future.

Customers: Putting Their Needs First

We pride ourselves at 5D Net Zero on being a people-led consultancy, putting our customers first and making sure they receive the best quality service and putting them on an achievable path to Net Zero. If you are looking for advice on your carbon footprint, and how to reduce it and communicate successfully to your stakeholders – we can help.

We understand that the world of sustainability and carbon management can sometimes feel like wading through a sea of jargon. That’s why we have made it our mission to break down the barriers. We’re here to demystify terms like Carbon Management and greenwashing, making the process accessible and affordable for everyone. We can’t talk about sustainability if we don’t understand it.

In fact, we’re excited to announce our newest initiative: “Say it Straight Mondays.” Every Monday, we’ll be dissecting the complexities of sustainability jargon, making sure you’re armed with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions. No more confusion, no more guesswork – just clear, straightforward explanations every Monday.

Celebrate with us

Please join us in celebrating B Corp Month – let’s unite our efforts, inspire each other, and collaborate to create a more equitable, environmentally just and exciting world. We can make a profound and lasting difference for generations to come.

At 5D Net Zero, we believe in the power of sharing knowledge and inspiring others. This week, two members of the 5D Net Zero team had the incredible opportunity to talk at the Surrey Hills Sustainability Showcase hosted at The University of Surrey.

Mike and Charlotte, our Carbon Management Consultants, seized this opportunity to showcase the innovative steps we take at 5D Net Zero to support businesses on their journey to net zero.

The key focus of the talk was to provide guidance to businesses on how they can measure and identify carbon emissions across all areas of the business, and create a carbon reduction plan for ways to reduce and offset unavoidable emissions.

Throughout the talk, Mike and Charlotte shared real-world examples of how our tailored solutions have helped businesses across various industries reduce their carbon impact. By leveraging our expertise and collaborative approach, we empower organisations to achieve their net zero goals and objectives.

There was a great turnout of 120 people – this may seem modest, however it is events like these, where like-minded companies can inspire and influence change, by sparking dialogue on putting sustainability at the forefront of their business strategy.

Mike and Charlotte’s talk at The University of Surrey exemplifies 5D Net Zero’s commitment to driving positive change, not only within our organisation but also within the wider community.

Thank you to the Surrey Hills Enterprises for providing a platform to inspire change and everyone that attended.

If your business is looking for support on its journey to net zero, please contact us to find out how we can help.

5D Net Zero is now a certified B Corporation™ (B Corp™) under its parent company LC Energy, joining a growing group of companies reinventing business by pursuing purpose as well as profit. 5D Net Zero has been certified by B Lab, the not-for-profit behind the B Corp™ movement, as having met rigorous social and environmental standards which represent its commitment to goals outside of shareholder profit.

What is B Corp?

The B Corp™ certification addresses the entirety of a business’s operations and covers five key impact areas of Governance, Workers, Community, Environment and Customers. The certification process is rigorous, with applicants required to reach a benchmark score of over 80 while providing evidence of socially and environmentally responsible practices relating to energy supplies, waste and water use, worker compensation, diversity and corporate transparency. To complete the certification, a business will legally embed its commitment to purpose beyond profit in its company articles.

The B Corp™ Community

5D Net Zero is now part of a community of 7,000 businesses globally who are B Corp™ Certified. The B Corp™ community in the UK, representing a broad cross section of industries and sizes, comprises over 1,500 companies and include well-known brands such as The Guardian, innocent, Patagonia, The Body Shop and organic food pioneers Abel & Cole.

Chris Turner, Executive Director of B Lab UK, says “We are delighted to welcome 5D Net Zero to the B Corp™ community. This is a movement of companies who are committed to changing how business operates and believe business really can be a force for good. We know that 5D Net Zero are going to be a fantastic addition to the community and will continue driving the conversation forward”.

“We are pleased to have B Corps of all shapes and sizes as part of our community – from startups to multinationals and across many different industries. Business is a powerful force and B Corps demonstrate that you can do good in any sector. Welcoming 5D Net Zero is an exciting moment because they have an opportunity to lead the way within the biomass industry. We and the rest of the B Corp™ community are really pleased to support 5D Net Zero in paving the way for a new way of doing things”.

“Being able to welcome 5D Net Zero to the B Corp™ community is hugely exciting. Their commitment to doing business differently will be an inspiration to others and really help spread the idea that we can redefine success in business to be as much about people and planet as it is about profit”.

About B Lab UK

B Lab UK is transforming the economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet. A leader in economic systems change, our global network creates standards, policies, and tools for business, and we certify companies—known as B Corps—who are leading the way. To date, our global community includes over 7,000 B Corps in 90 countries and 161 industries, and over 150,000 companies manage their impact with the B Impact Assessment and the SDG Action Manager.

In a time of climate change awareness and environmental consciousness, businesses around the globe are increasingly recognising the importance of implementing Carbon Reduction Plans (CRP).

What is a Carbon Reduction Plan?

A carbon reduction plan is a structured approach to systematically reduce a businesses carbon footprint.

It involves analysing current emission levels, setting achievable reduction targets, and implementing measures to achieve those targets over a defined period.

These measures encompass a wide range of strategies, including adopting renewable energy sources, optimising energy efficiency, reducing waste, and enhancing value chain sustainability.

How Carbon Reduction Plans Benefit Businesses

Implementing a Carbon Reduction Plan offers multifaceted benefits: cost savings through energy efficiency and renewable sources, regulatory compliance to avoid penalties and mitigate risks, enhanced corporate perception attracting eco-conscious clients, access to new markets and revenue streams, and improved resilience against climate risks.

To execute this plan effectively, businesses must set clear, measurable goals, engage stakeholders, invest in innovation for efficiency gains, and monitor progress transparently to drive continuous improvement.

How can 5D Net Zero help my business?

Carbon accounting is central to any reduction plan, involves measuring greenhouse gas emissions across operations. Using the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, 5D Net Zero can measure the emissions your business produces from direct sources like fuel combustion and indirect sources such as purchased electricity and supply chains.

Understanding your carbon impact helps prioritise actions for significant reductions. 5D Net Zero’s PPN 06/21 Carbon Reduction Plans are tailored to provide actionable recommendations to minimise emissions across your business. This enables your business to be considered in the procurement of goods and/or services with an anticipated value above £5 million per annum for central government tenders, including NHS.

What is COP28?

The 28th Conference of the Parties, or COP28, is a critical global gathering that brings together nations, policymakers, scientists, and stakeholders to address the pressing challenges of climate change. COP28 is scheduled to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from 30^th November 2023 to 12^th December 2023.

This annual conference is organised by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), providing a platform for nations to discuss, negotiate, and collaborate on solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The two-week conference will cover several crucial climate topics, including energy transition, climate finance and agriculture.

The primary goal of COP28 is to advance the global response to climate change by fostering international cooperation, setting emission reduction targets, and refining strategies outlined in previous conferences. With a focus on implementing the Paris Agreement, COP28 aims to build on past commitments and accelerate efforts to limit global warming, enhance climate resilience, and promote sustainable development.

Key Talking Points Running Up to COP28

Key talking points leading up to COP28 include concerns about the host country, the UAE, due to its high per capita emissions, significant reliance on oil production, and controversial image management efforts. The COP President, Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, is the CEO of the state-owned oil company ADNOC.

The ‘High-Ambition Coalition,’ consisting of about 15 Parties like France, the Marshall Islands, Sweden, and the UK, is actively negotiating the phase-out of fossil fuels. This is notable as countries typically withhold their negotiating positions before conferences, and seldom do these positions possess the required ambition to tackle the climate crisis.
The Coalition’s capacity to uphold this commitment throughout the two weeks of negotiations remains uncertain.

More than 200 governments are invited to Dubai and heads of state or prime ministers from 167 countries have confirmed they are going. Pope Francis stands out on the list of attendees, making history as the first Pope to participate in a COP. President Biden will reportedly not attend, while UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and King Charles are confirmed participants, King Charles will give the opening address on December 1st.

What to expect during COP28

The thematic program for COP28 aims to bring together a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including various government levels, youth, business and investors, civil society, frontline communities and more. This collaboration is centred on specific solutions that need to be expanded in this decade to restrict temperature increases to 1.5 degrees, enhance resilience, and mobilise substantial finance.

One of the key expectations for COP28 is the elevation of national and international commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Countries are anticipated to announce more ambitious targets aligned with the goal of limiting global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius, as outlined in the Paris Agreement. The full thematic event schedule can be found here.

As the impacts of climate change become increasingly evident, COP28 is expected to emphasise the importance of adaptation and building resilience. Discussions will likely focus on supporting vulnerable nations, communities, and ecosystems in preparing for and mitigating the effects of a changing climate.

Financial commitments and technology transfer play a crucial role in enabling developing nations to transition to low-carbon economies. COP28 is expected to address these issues, with discussions on increasing financial support for climate initiatives and facilitating the transfer of sustainable technologies.

The interconnectedness of climate change and biodiversity loss is a growing concern. COP28 is likely to highlight the importance of preserving and restoring ecosystems, emphasising the role they play in climate regulation and sustainable development.

The involvement of youth and the general public in climate action has gained momentum in recent years. COP28 is expected to underscore the importance of inclusive engagement, acknowledging the role of grassroots movements, civil society, and youth-led initiatives in driving change.

Achieving Net Zero & Beyond

The solutions form the response to the Global Stocktake, assessing the global status of climate action and support, pinpointing shortcomings, and fostering collective efforts to establish solution pathways for 2030 and beyond.

As carbon management specialists, we offer independent verification to businesses committed to continuously measuring, reducing, and balancing emissions. Our mission is to support businesses in their transition to net zero, aligning seamlessly with the UK Government’s Net Zero targets and the latest carbon legislation.

If your business is looking to take climate action or is considering embarking on its net zero journey, please contact us.

National Tree Week, the UK’s largest annual celebration of trees, takes on heightened significance this year, spanning from the 25th of November to the 3rd of December 2023. It commemorates the 50th anniversary of the influential ‘Plant a Tree in 73’ campaign, which acted as the catalyst for the establishment of both National Tree Week and The Tree Council. Each year, the country’s conservation sector, volunteer groups and businesses come together to plant thousands of trees to mark the start of the tree planting season.

Celebrating Trees in the Context of Sustainability and Carbon Management

National Tree Week is not merely a symbolic gesture; it serves as a dedicated occasion to honour the pivotal role of trees within the broader context of environmental sustainability and carbon management. Positioned as a central player in the collective mission to combat climate change, this annual event actively contributes through the implementation and promotion of effective carbon sequestration initiatives, such as tree planting ceremonies, educational programs, and community engagement initiatives.

Carbon Sequestration & Climate Change Mitigation

Trees, often unsung heroes in the fight against climate change, play a vital role in carbon sequestration. Through photosynthesis, trees absorb carbon dioxide, converting it into life-sustaining oxygen while storing carbon in their biomass. National Tree Week emerges as an opportune moment to spotlight the crucial role of afforestation and reforestation in climate change mitigation. Trees, acting as natural carbon sinks, help offset the carbon footprint of human activities, contributing to the overall health of our planet.

Long-Term Investment in Carbon Offsetting & REDD+ Projects

Tree planting during National Tree Week extends beyond a one-time event; it represents a long-term investment in carbon offsetting. As trees mature, their carbon sequestration capacity increases, rendering them invaluable assets in the ongoing battle against climate change. In the broader context of carbon management, National Tree Week becomes an ideal platform to promote initiatives aligned with REDD+—focusing on the conservation and sustainable management of forests. Highlighting the synergy between local tree-planting efforts and REDD+ principles during this week can elevate the impact of community-driven projects, supporting global strategies to combat deforestation and reduce carbon emissions on a larger scale.

To invest in REDD+ carbon offset projects during National Tree Week as part of a wider carbon management initiative, please visit our carbon offset credit store here.

Offsetting as a Collaborative Effort

National Tree Week serves as a powerful reminder that trees are not just scenic elements; they are essential allies in the fight against climate change. By spotlighting the carbon benefits and sequestration potential during this week, communities, businesses, and individuals actively contribute to a sustainable, net zero future. This collaborative effort exemplifies the integral role National Tree Week plays in shaping a resilient and environmentally conscious world.

Celebrating National Tree Week

Celebrating this national tree week we are exhibiting at and attending the Woodland Wonder: Surrey Hills Symposium 2023.

The event will be held at the University of Surrey and will feature a marketplace showcasing local businesses offering nature-based experiences, forestry advisory services, artistic creations inspired by woodlands, and various partners. Attendees can indulge in light refreshments while exploring the marketplace, followed by engaging discussions and insights in the symposium held in the lecture theatre. Join the community in an afternoon of inspiration, environmental awareness, and appreciation for the vital role trees play in our lives and the health of the planet.

Book your free tickets here.