Mike Parker, Chairman of SeSaME, writes…
WELCOME to 2023. SeSaME’s absence from the Evesham Observer these few months hasn’t seen us inactive, but an intensive exploration of potential sustainable renewable energy too fluid to share until now.
“What if” we hadn’t returned? We couldn’t be reporting a substantial Rural Community Energy Fund (RCEF) allowing SeSaME’s exploration of a heat & wind project in Sedgeberrow. Working with consultants Sharenergy SeSaME established a new community benefit society, Evesham Vale Energy Renewables. EVER is a community owned energy project able to directly benefit Sedgeberrow residents and businesses.
It’s a local Society with wings. Even if its first exploratory project isn’t adopted, it has the structure and potential clout to expand into supporting other projects in the wider community – see the map at www.ever.me.uk
“What if” you drive a petrol/diesel vehicle, heat your house with oil, gas or are off the national grid? A great reason to fancy ownership of a natural energy that is infinite; free at source, and its collection and distribution controlled by your local community. Particularly if you live in a property, ancient or new build, plagued by inadequate heat retention.
“What if” the penny still hasn’t dropped nationally? We’ll have an unpredictable five year leadership cycle, inadequate against global warming’s assault upon our planet – intensified drought, storms, heat waves, glacial melt and higher sea levels, warmer oceans, and more frequent violent weather events.
“What if” we again don’t act fully on the latest March 2023 IPCC Report?
To quote: “there are tried and tested policy measures that can work to achieve deep emissions reductions and climate resilience if they are scaled up and applied more widely. Political commitment, coordinated policies, international cooperation, ecosystem stewardship and inclusive governance are all important for effective and equitable climate action.”
What if” our leaders fail to establish a fully representative, WW11 style, cross party coalition cabinet: a stable political system mandated to ensuring a continued meeting of the challenging 2030 targets and beyond to 2050.
Best not tell your new kids on the block.
It’s gonna be some bust-up later, that’s “What if!”
