POLITICIANS of all hues keep setting targets they cannot possibly meet.
Worse, most of them will not be around to take the flak when governments fail to reach them.
Net Zero is a classic case in point.
The date to reach it by 2050 was set by the then Prime Minister Theresa May without any debate, vote or thought given to the consequences.
Now, to meet theses unrealistic expectations, we’re going to ban new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.
However, just when I thought common sense had gone forever, Rishi Sunak this week granted more than 100 licences for oil and gas exploration in the North Sea.
These licences, plus the carbon capture installations, will create up to 50,000 jobs.
It’s interesting to note that even the Climate Change Committee, which opposes the new licences, has admitted that a quarter of our energy needs will continue to be met by oil and gas after we reach Net Zero.
Currently, we import nearly 45 per cent of our energy and not exploiting our own resources would add to our carbon footprint and see increased reliance on supplies from overseas.
The danger of that is dramatically epitomized by Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, which has seen energy prices spiral as countries across Europe compete for alternative sources.
The stark lesson is clear; self-reliance where possible, which prevents us being held to ransom.
This of course means more investment in renewables and nuclear, too, but they alone are not going to keep the lights on for many years to come, if ever.
An optimist, I am confident of mankind’s remarkable record to tackle challenges.
In doing so, we must not impoverish our country and take full responsibility for her destiny.