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Renewable Energy Foundation reacts favourably to the creation of a new Department of Energy and Climate Change, but . . .

Unfortunately, REF headlined its 3 October 2008 statement on DECC in an unhelpful way.  In so doing, the Renewable Energy Foundation presents a typically British attitude: highlighting problems instead of suggesting ways forward, and not even offering to be part of the solution.  REF Expresses Concern at Problems Faced by New Energy Department was picked up by Farmers Guardian under the headline REF welcomes new department but warns of difficulties ahead.

Although I appreciate why people in the UK may have developed a notable degree of caution, distrust and cynicism in recent decades, I would not characterise a welcome that expresses concerns at the outset, and coldly throws down the gauntlet to Ed Miliband to prove he is ‘up to the job’, as a favourable reaction.

It is not only Ed Miliband alone who needs “the courage to tackle these matters head on” but all of the British public: this strength of character needs to be in each and every one of us, not just those who head Departments of State!  The transition to a sustainable future with significantly lower carbon emissions needs to become a mainstream activity, inherent in all we do, and as soon as possible.

By dwelling on problems through endless debate and circular discussion without really working to resolve valid issues effectively, very little is achieved but disgruntlement.  Far better instead to recognise problems, accept they have to be dealt with successfully through viable solutions, know that hard work lies ahead, then highlight opportunities—and go for them!

Now here’s an opportunity for someone to take the following REF press release and, while recognising the difficulties we face in this complex situation, figure out a workable recommendation for policymakers and write an alternative statement to present the predicament in a more positive way

Continue Reading Renewable Energy Foundation reacts favourably to the creation of a new Department of Energy and Climate Change, but . . ….