With a recent study showing that almost 19,000 families in Cumbria are living in fuel poverty – a proportion higher than the national average – and climate records being broken on a regular basis, we are calling on the government to put significant GB Energy money into Cumbria, as a matter of urgency, to support renewable energy projects, to provide well-paid green jobs for locals, and to begin a massive home insulation programme. The Cumbria Action for Sustainability (CAfS) Report of 2021 – The Potential for green jobs in Cumbria – presented clear proof that the transition to Net Zero in Cumbria would create around 9,000 net jobs during a 15-year transition period, and 3,800 in the long term. These would mainly be connected to generating clean and cheaper renewable electricity via an expansion of solar, on-shore wind, off-shore wind, tidal lagoon, and hydro schemes. The climate clock is ticking ever faster – and, with Cumbria being recognised as one of the UK’s ‘left-behind’ communities, the government could improve the lives of thousands of families whilst also acting to meet its national climate targets. Your signature on this petition can help persuade the government to make the right decisions on this crucial matter.

GREEN INVESTMENT FOR CUMBRIA

This plan would significantly improve the health, life & work chances of the local community, as well as having benefits in reducing the drive towards climate change globally.