We must take account of our overall carbon footprint when we talk about 'Net Zero', otherwise we are deluding ourselves. Full and proper consideration should be taken of the impact of carbon generated from all our imports as well as what we generate domestically.
There is a vast carbon cost associated with imported goods – roughly 60% of domestic emissions, after subtraction of exported goods emissions. We need to see this and understand the clear impact of this on our nation’s greenhouse gas emissions.
This information should then be used to regulate imports through tariffs or incentives in such a way as to incentivise consumption of low-carbon products. Put simply the cost of high-carbon consumption must increase in line with the Net Zero objectives. This must be accompanied by clear leadership and communication to the public of the issues and planned actions with a timetable for implementation.
Domestic recycling rates have improved considerably through media campaigning and local government action. Similar outcomes have resulted from campaigns to reduce salt, sugar and even alcohol intake in foodstuffs and drink. If similar action is taken to measure and regulate imported goods by means of their carbon content, our domestic consumption of high-carbon products will likely reduce massively.
Let's do it!