‘Climate change is the common cause that should transcend party politics’

The report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change published last week is an update on the Paris Conference. Using the best modelled evidence, it spells out the world-changing outcomes from the Paris target of 1.5°C rise in the Earth’s temperature above pre-1900 levels. But it warns that the rise is likely to be 2° C and maybe higher, with truly catastrophic consequences.

The world is complicated enough but can anyone honestly believe that there is a more serious and immediate issue for action at global level and down to individual lifestyles?

The Bristol Lib Dems’ vision and action over five years secured European Green Capital status for the city. We set the necessary targets around carbon, clean air and sustainable energy that we follow today. Recognition of our comprehensive work was not achieved by cleverly scripted aspirations but by delivering a root and branch change to all aspects of council activity.

I said at the time that “we focused on future-proofing the city, set out what was needed and we got it done”. We refocused waste collection towards recycling, reuse and delivering clean energy from waste, fighting government-imposed incinerators. We rolled out a programme for solar panels, wind turbines, biogas and hydrogen fuels. We initiated a combined travel network, created priority bus routes and the first cycle routes, alongside cycling and walking strategies. We fought for better energy-saving building standards and started the energy company. We organised getting the message out to all, particularly through a schools programme. We did a lot more too, because the Lib Dems’ care for the environment is at our core.

The Lib Dems took the opportunity of the coalition to put in place our Green Deal, our Green Investment Bank and sustainable energy incentives. As soon as they were free of us in 2015, the Conservatives sold off the bank to a tourist company and the rest was abandoned.

We have expressed our surprise that climate change is not a topic for the Global Parliament of Mayors‘ annual summit, being held in Bristol from October 21-23. Cities have such a major role, particularly in America where the administration considers climate change inconvenient.

Most people are aware of this but not enough recognise the now-highlighted necessity of making fundamental impacts now, rather than kicking the problem down the road. We’ve had times before in our history where one generation has to accept a major commitment for the benefit of those following. Alongside other societal changes we need to take this on as individuals and support international action.

Now as in the past, governments have a duty to act; nudging is likely to give way to legislation. Of course the Lib Dems will keep watch on the impacts on our democratic response, particularly to the individual liberties of those most vulnerable.

We’ve proved we are not scared of stepping up to ground-breaking solutions where they are necessary, whatever their risk to our popularity. For our generation, this is the most important common cause that should transcend party politics. I rejoice in other parties catching up with us as, emphatically, we all live on the same planet.

Anthony Negus is a Liberal Democrat councillor for Cotham.