From Professor John Twidell
Sir, - Your account of the General Synod's debates on "Shrinking
the [carbon] footprint" and "ethical investment" (Synod, 21 February)
indicated a welcome policy change to disinvest in buried-carbon
futures, e.g. coal. The excess carbon now emitted into the
atmosphere arises from our using fossil fuels; so keeping these
underground is the obvious way to mitigate climate change.
Yet, as was stated in the debate, disinvestment is not a
creative policy. Unfortunately, the debates did not progress to the
positive policy of investing in renewable energy technology and
products. Worldwide investment in "new" renewables (wind, solar,
biomass, hydro, marine, geothermal, etc.) for electricity, fuels,
and heat is now more than £145 billion/year -within which, 30 per
cent in Europe, with one million jobs (sources: UNEP and
REN21).
Investment in renewables therefore enables carbon mitigation,
satisfying employment and creative futures in businesses showing a
financial return. Additionally, there is considerable opportunity
to invest in the efficient use of energy, e.g. LED lighting and
smart-meter controls, which is ethically correct, whatever the
supply.
All these technologies are needed urgently so that the "North"
reduces carbon emissions and the "South" increases sustainable
supply. Overall, this can be ethical investment with no
regrets.
JOHN TWIDELL
Bridgford House, Horninghold
Leicestershire LE16 8DH