Thread by @martin_farley

Thread:

I have finally taken a look at @UKLabour 's detailed plans to get to net zero carbon by 2030. It is indeed bold, but I'm afraid it simply is not a serious attempt to make this happen

#ZC2030

labour.org.uk/wp-content/upl…

@UKLabour It omits virtually the entire transport sector, which is the largest source of GHG emissions

They have committed t to swap most petrol and diesel vehicles for electric ones, but have not made sufficient provision for the increase in electricity production this would require

@UKLabour It also makes little mention of the investment in battery power and storage that this massive increase in electric vehicles would require (except to say that it would be 'more viable')

@UKLabour In terms of the economy, it assumes a whopping 40% increase in economic output by 2030, but makes no provision for the enormous increase in energy production this would also require

The chances of meeting all our current energy needs+ another 40% with renewables are slim at best

@UKLabour Many industrial processes that emit high levels of CO2 are simply ignored, such as cement or the chemicals sector, which they assume to remain constant throughout this period (with 40% economic growth!?)

@UKLabour While their costings for #ZC2030 are, well, a little on the low side

The Committee on Climate Change suggested it would require 2% of GDP for 30 years to achieve net zero carbon, @UKLabour seem to have assumed a cost of 2% per year for just 10 years (£400bn instead of £1,200bn)

@UKLabour In @TheGreenParty we think the cost will be more like £1,500bn

They have then assumed that most of this will be picked up by the private sector, leaving the public sector just £150bn to find over 10 years.

@UKLabour @TheGreenParty Although they do concede that a further £150bn in energy subsidies might be needed to prevent an increase in fuel bills

This public cost will be met by the magical 40% growth rate over the decade, bringing in £300bn+ in extra tax revenues

@UKLabour @TheGreenParty Its financial assumptions are wishful thinking in the extreme

Plus, it never seems to dawn on Labour that this enormous increase in production (and consumption) might come with its own emissions...

@UKLabour @TheGreenParty In summary:

The analysis omits the largest single source of GHG emissions

It ignores the increased energy requirements of its own 'solutions'

It simply wishes into existence the financial resources needed to make it happen

@UKLabour's zero carbon plan just isn't credible