Carbon Budget

We're in the middle of a severe financial crisis and a full blown recession; people are fearful about their jobs and what's around the corner. Green issues are not exactly high on most people's list. So, I think the budget was rather good for green issues. The Greens will disagree, but that's why I vote for them: we need radicals to help change the world.

Lets get a few things straight from the ludicrous hype about the budget. First, debt: we're in so much debt that the government bonds are going to be downgraded and how will we pay for it? First of all, the size of national debt is less than Japan (who have borrowed the equivalent of 171% of their economy); Italy (113%); France (72.5%); and, Germany (64%). It will grow, but will STILL be less than those countries and there is unlikely to be a downgrading of our credit rating! Secondly, tax rates. 50% top rate of tax is not unusual or that high; in fact, the tax burden (the amount of tax paid as % of the economy) will still be LESS than under the tax cuttin' govt spending hatin' Thatcher governments of the 1980s. Anyway, how many people earn over £150,000? Less than 2%. What's the average household income? Around £20,000. Lets get a sense of perspective.

Given the financial mess, the fear was no money or initiatives for low carbon. In fact, there were some significant gains: support for the wind industry; a reversal on policy re: coal fired stations; and, a carbon budget where cuts in emissions were announced. Even the scrappage scheme has some merit as newer cars do emit less CO2and despite what critics say, most of the life cycle emissions of cars come from driving not manufacturing.

OK, it's not enough. Consider South Korea: 81% of it's stimulus package is geared to reducing carbon emissions. But, look closely and you'll find eco groups complaining it's all spin and not enough substance. We need our Monbiots, Goodalls and Green Party to pull us away from complacency, but sometimes we need to look at has happened and give credit where it's due.