By Chris Welby, Good Energy’s Commercial Director
 

2009 started with high hopes. There was a change of leadership in the US, and we all hoped this would lead to a deal at Copenhagen at the end of the year.  Alas, despite the cheerleading from Ed Miliband, in reality all we got was agreement to try for a deal at the end of 2010 in Mexico.
 

The scientists are telling us that we need to contain Global temperature rises to 2C, and the longer we leave taking action, the harder it will be and the more drastic the action will have to be.  So what should we do?
 

Firstly, I think we need to get a change of mindset into our politicians.  We need to lead by example, rather than the current approach of “we will if you will”.  If you are in a sinking boat, you bail out the water as fast as you can, not negotiate how fast everyone should be bailing depending on their ability. Argue about who didn’t pull their weight later, but bail!
 

Equally, the citizens of this world should not wait for a political solution.  Everybody should try to reduce their carbon emissions as much as possible.  The 10:10 campaign is important, but we should aspire to do more than 10% if we can.  The current cold weather in the UK is not evidence against climate change, but a warning of what our standard winters will be like if arctic ice melt causes us to lose the gulf stream.  
 

Whilst all the big stuff is important, it is the thousands of little actions by individuals that are just as important.  Supermarkets are beginning to the source of their foods on the packets, use that information.  Who knows you might find something better.  I know I buy too much of my red wine from the new world, such as Chile and Australia, and intend to try and buy more from Europe.  I might even buy a few bottles of English wine.  More English apple juice rather than orange juice.  All small actions, but if millions take them…
 

One final point, although back to the politics.  This is election year in the UK, and we need to push climate change up the agenda.  It cost next to nothing to send an e-mail to the candidates asking their views on the environment.  Politicians judge public opinion by their inbox, especially if they believe the answer will swing a vote in their favour.  It’s a small action, but we all need to use it.