On numerous fronts, the consequences of the last 150 years of fossil fuel driven industrialisation are simultaneously coming home to roost. Recent evidence on both climate and energy security reveals a situation more urgent than had been expected – even by those who have been following it closely for decades. The credit crisis has graphically shown us what happens if we see problems in the pipeline and do not take any appropriate action. Left unchecked, our climate and energy challenges will merge, resulting in economic collapse and dislocation unseen in modern times. We need to switch from fossil fuels and fast.

CAT – The Centre for Alternative Technology, has now developed a Zero Carbon Britain scenario. This will show how an investment on the scale of the bank bailouts could power-down’ the energy required to deliver well-being, while powering-up’ renewable sources. This will not only kick-start the economy and get people back to work but will also create a very tangible dividend from