climate change and mk
Milton Keynes is sometimes thought to be a very average English town. It's often said that what happens here today is a good marker for what is happening across the country. But in truth, Milton Keynes is not quite like that. We have a younger population. We live in newer homes. We're a little ahead of the curve, in fact. And we even contribute a little less than average towards climate change!
But that's not going to be enough. If Britain is to play its part on stamping out excess emissions of the main gases that contribute to climate change, we are all going to have to do more. A whole lot more. This website will help start that process, by showing what can be done (and what's already been done here in the new city) as well as giving pointers for what needs to be done in future. But let's start by looking at where we are now.
How is Milton Keynes contributing to climate change?
Everyone in Milton Keynes uses energy, and much of this energy comes from fossil fuels. When burnt or converted into electricity, these fuels produce carbon dioxide (CO2) - the main gas that's causing global climate change.
The average resident of Milton Keynes is directly responsible for around 8.1 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions a year. 8.1 tonnes is slightly below the UK national average of 8.8 tonnes, partly because we tend to live in rather newer homes that are better insulated. You might be surprised to learn that we also have lower transport emissions, as although we drive to work rather more than in a typical town, our total mileage is lower than people who live in the country side. There's a page dedicated to looking at these numbers in more detail, showing where and why we use energy, and how we may be able to cut associated emissions.
8.1 tonnes is still a lot of carbon dioxide for us each to be responsible for - man, woman and child. That's a weight equivalent to around 5 family cars, or a volume of 4,500 cubic metres (enough gas to fill 15 3 bedroom semis). All this CO2 come from our use of energy, mainly fossil fuels, such as oil, gas, coal and electricity generated from the same fuels. That's the energy used to heat and light our homes, to power all the equipment that we have, to move us around and to manufacture the goods that we all want. If we are to stop the worst effects of climate change, scientists reckon that we will have to reduce our emissions by between 60% and 80% by the year 2050. And that's not going to be easy, although this site will explain some of the ways we can do this, here in Milton Keynes.
Thinking differently about energy for over 40 years
Ever since its inception in 1967, Milton Keynes has been a city that thinks differently, embraces evolution and champions change. Back in the 1960s, no-one had heard about climate change, and we seemed to be entering into a world of cheap reliable energy. But even then, people were asking questions about how the new city should be powered, and how should citizens move around the town. This site includes a section looking at some of the early energy-saving projects in the new city, and at the lessons we have learnt from them. Do you remember Pennyland, or the Energy World Exhibition? They were just two of the many surprising initiatives that have taken place here.
Find out more about Milton Keynes' Past Projects
Still thinking differently about energy and climate change
This website also includes a section looking at some of the current projects taking place in the city. Do you know where there are wind turbines within the city, or why our homes have better insulation? And did you know that new homes have to pay into a Carbon Offset Fund to help improve older homes to bring them up towards the same standards?
Find out more about Milton Keynes' Current Projects
Milton Keynes - looking forward to meeting the future carbon challenges
Milton Keynes is still growing and its population may double by 2031. This brings new challenges - how can an expanding city with a reputation for innovation put the climate first and yet still maintain its world beating quality of life and deserved reputation as a great place to do business?
Milton Keynes has a strong partnership and inclusive culture. Its growth strategy is set out in the document 'A Strategy for Growth to 2031'. The new growth requires plans which have been deeply considered by the existing community to ensure that Milton Keynes serves both current and future demands effectively. The economic vision for the city seeks to transform Milton Keynes from 'new town' status to that of an innovating international city.
A new vision to combat Climate Change
This website is being set up to help develop a third vision - Milton Keynes as clean and low carbon city of the future. In other sections, you can find out what might happen globally of we all do nothing, and let global carbon emissions go unchecked. You can also find practical ideas on what you do here and now in Milton Keynes - simple ideas that really won't cost the earth.
Find out more about our vision for a low carbon Milton Keynes
The wind turbine at Energy World, 1986
