Occupying the area around Marble Arch at last year’s XR rebellion to fight for the climate (Picture: Extinction Rebellion)
The government was planning to unveil a new net zero strategy on Thursday. But the strategy isn’t about reducing emissions. It’s focused on cutting real climate commitments and cosying up to oil and gas corporations.
The Tories made it clear this was their plan when they decided to change the name of the launch from “green day” to “energy security day.” And the venue was shifted to Aberdeen, the capital of Britain’s fossil fuel industry. Instead of any new commitment to invest in renewables, ministers were set to announce more investment in unreliable technologies like carbon capture and storage.
There will be no new promises to ensure new homes are built with solar panels and no nationwide programme for insulation. There were also reports that the government could hand over licences to build the massive new Rosebank oil and gas field. The Tories are once again using the war in Ukraine as a way of inspiring fear about energy security—and to hand more money to the fossil fuel industry.
Last year, Friends of the Earth campaigners won a court case that deemed the Tories’ net-zero strategy unlawful. But the fight for the planet won’t be won in the courts. In less than a month, on 21 April, Extinction Rebellion will begin its next rebellion—called “The Big One”—outside parliament. This will be a real opportunity to rage against the climate-killing Tories.
There are more union banners on protests
