Leading UK climate scientist and former Government advisor Professor Kevin Anderson delivered a ‘sobering’ talk in Shrewsbury on Thursday night to a sold out audience of residents and local councillors at Abbeygate Hall.

The talk – entitled ‘A Velvet Or Violent Climate Revolution - Which Will We Choose?’ – looked at the growing risks the UK faces from climate breakdown.

Professor Anderson warned that the key temperature target of 1.5C agreed by world nations at Paris in 2015 is now ‘dead’ due to a lack of global action; the remaining carbon budget for 2C will be exhausted in 13 years at our present rate of global emissions; and that there is a small but real risk of 4C by the end of the century.

‘We’re looking at a climate that’s extremely unstable, far beyond any safe zone that’s nurtured civilisation, which will cause unprecedented societal chaos,’ he said.

The only response, he argued, is to rapidly decarbonise the UK economy with an emergency, postwar style ‘Marshall Plan on steroids’ response to retrofit homes with high quality insulation; electrify heating and public transport; reduce aviation; and ensure that all new homes are zero carbon.

He pointed out that high income households in the UK use nearly five times as much energy as the lower income households – and that the rich should be the ones making the biggest sacrifices. The benefits of taking action, he said, would be ‘win-win-win’ for the poorest in our society with warmer homes, better public transport, cleaner air, and better jobs and health outcomes.

Asked if Shropshire Council’s emissions matter, given that the UK only makes up 1% of global emissions, Professor Anderson said:

‘That argument is morally bereft and mathematically illiterate. The UK is only 1% of global emissions. But so are Beijing and Shanghai, so they shouldn’t worry about it either. So is the Chinese freight industry. Global aviation is around 2%. So don’t worry about that either. But a hundred one percents add up to one hundred percent. So, of course Shropshire matters. Not only because of its emissions, but also because it can demonstrate what can be done to other councils. That is how change happens. So, if councillors have put themselves forward, presumably they think they have some leadership skills, I expect them to lead by example – otherwise get a different job.’

Councillor Emma Micklewright – co-ordinator of the Shrewsbury Green Party which organised the talk – said:

‘We were thrilled to have a scientist of Professor Anderson’s standing speak to Shrewsbury residents and it was wonderful to see the event sold out. The talk was very sobering. It’s clear that the climate crisis poses a huge threat to our communities and loved ones, as well as the UK’s national security. But the biggest takeaway was that tackling the crisis can bring huge benefits for the poorest and most vulnerable in Shrewsbury and beyond. Locally and nationally the Green Party is fighting for the solutions we need – warmer homes, better public transport, cleaner air, and ensuring that the rich pay their fair share. Things don’t have to be this broken. We want to make hope normal again.’

You can watch a video recording of the event on Shrewsbury Green Party's YouTube channel.