Climate change: hard facts and home truths

摘要

The UK has the technology and the economic capability to achieve net zero by 2050, but mixed signals from the Government are deterring investment and progress, according to Prof Tom Burke, chairman of independent strategic political think tank E3G. Prof Burke, who was among the key speakers at the Mineral Products 2021 conference on 27 May, brought the event to life with fascinating insights, thought-provoking ideas, and compelling hard facts and home truths. Moderated by BBC television producer Samantha McAlister, the online event 'Growth & Climate Change... Balancing the Issues' saw 300 delegates hear a line-up of leading experts explore the UK's political landscape, economic outlook, climate change realities and the mineral products industry's response to the decarbonization challenge. MPA chief executive Nigel Jackson opened the event on location from MPA member J & J Franks' sand quarry and waste facility in Surrey. Emphasizing the importance of diverse geology in counties like Surrey in meeting the need for essential mineral products, he talked to Franks' managing director, Peter Crate, about the challenges and opportunities of securing planning consent and obtaining permits when setting up a new site.