Shared solutions for the climate and cost of living crises

The soaring cost of energy left millions of people struggling to heat their homes over winter, as well as contributing to out-of-control inflation. And today’s sky-high bills aren’t a one-off: the rise is almost entirely due to the price of gas, which is predicted to stay high for at least three years.

Alongside this we’re experiencing more frequent extreme weather events, such as floods, heatwaves and devastating wildfires. The climate is changing more quickly than wildlife or people can adapt.

But these interlinked crises have shared solutions. Making our homes more energy efficient and switching to affordable, clean power can free us from unstable, expensive fossil fuels and help to combat the climate crisis.

Carbon emitted from UK households accounts for 15-20% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. With some of the draughtiest houses in Europe, we lose heat from our homes up to three times faster than our European neighbours. Insulation is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce household emissions and reduce energy bills – having a well-insulated home can cut energy bills by over £500 per year.

Investing in clean, renewable energy, such as wind and solar, will also improve our energy security, meaning we’re no longer at the mercy of volatile international oil and gas markets. The UK has huge potential for wind, wave and solar power. Cheaper energy, improved air quality and a stronger economy – what’s not to like?

But we’re not yet seeing the leadership we need to tackle the climate and energy crises. While the government provided some welcome support by capping energy prices and recognising home insulation as a priority, action to protect consumers from high energy costs in the years to come hasn’t been enough. And the switch from fossil fuels to renewables must happen sooner.

With the energy and nature crises sharing many of the same-long term solutions, we should be using every opportunity to address them together.

The UK government has promised to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, but needs to act now to show it’s serious about helping people, nature and the economy to thrive.