
Stiebel Eltron UK is calling on the government to introduce measures to drive the adoption of renewable heating technologies as world leaders convene for COP 28.
The call for action comes after the earth’s temperature briefly rose above an average of 2 degrees Celsius hotter than pre-industrial levels this month, a crucial threshold that scientists have warned could have catastrophic and irreversible impacts on the planet.
COP 28 in Dubai this week is expected to conclude with new commitments for tackling present environmental challenges, and Stiebel Eltron says the UK government should look to lead by example with measures that will see heat pumps and electric water and room heating technologies become widespread across the country.
The latest United Nations data reveals global emissions need to fall 42 per cent by 2030 to put the world on track to limit temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2050, or by 28 per cent to hold temperature increases to an average of 2 degrees targeted by the Paris Agreement.
Despite this, the government earlier this year reversed a host of pledges which were designed to help the UK reach net zero carbon emissions in 2050. This included delaying the ban on new petrol and diesel cars, as well as reducing the planned phase out of gas boilers by 2035.
Stiebel Eltron UK managing director, Mark McManus, says: “While it was only for a brief period, the world’s temperature rising above an average of 2 degrees is a stark warning that unless action is taken this will only occur more often. Simply put, we have to move away from fossil fuels.
“With COP 28 starting this week, consumers across the UK will be looking to the Government to lead from the front, and they can do this by implementing measures which will bolster the use of sustainable heating technologies, such as heat pumps.
“While the Government’s decision in September to renege on energy pledges weakened its stance as a global leader in the renewable energy sector, they can change this by taking a firmer stance on fossil fuel boilers and look to see the adoption of sustainable heating technologies across the board.
“In the meantime, for those who are interested in alternative heating measures which won’t be to the detriment of the planet, we would be delighted to share our knowledge with them.”
While the Government’s decision in September to renege on energy pledges weakened its stance as a global leader in the renewable energy sector, they can change this by taking a firmer stance on fossil fuel boilers and look to see the adoption of sustainable heating technologies across the board.