Net Zero has come in for a bit of pounding in some places of late. Some politicians have used the term for nasty dog-whistle politics and yet we should remind ourselves that Net Zero is a binding target to which 140 countries representing 80% of the world’s population have signed up. The target date varies, but the concept is rock solid despite those would suggest otherwise.

Leading the pack is Finland with a target of 2035 (two countries have already achieved this goal (Suriname and Bhutan, both of which are comparatively small carbon emitters but those of which, more importantly, are profoundly affected by the negative effects of climate change such as rising sea levels). Many, including the UK are pledged to 2050 with some other targets stretching to 2070.

These targets aside, the UK has made, and is making, significant strides. We should remember that the UK was the first country to establish a legally-binding commitment to net zero, in 2008. That in itself is something to be proud of even if the language of successive governments has been rather more erratic on the subject. For a reason I’m unable to fathom (although I suspect £££ and the power of the extractive industries have much to do with it) mitigating climate change has become a political mire. The right-leaning and the far right hate any such attempts apparently: the former because they don’t like public spending and the latter just on principle because they think it will win them votes and power.

And despite what may sound like back-tracking from the current government, they have actually put in place some very good green legislation since coming to power and are currently committed to an overall 52% reduction (from 2008) in carbon emissions by 2027. Electrification is marching ahead although there are still many roadblocks, including how energy is priced. All new houses must now be built with heat pumps and solar panels and new gas boilers are banned. Oh how the nay sayers love to whinge about that.

Why and how the opposition continues, and continues to grow is something we’d love to explore in our forthcoming title On a day like today we just need to look forward. We’d love to hear from you about innovations and imaginings about how we continue to tackle these thorny issues – the most important of which appears to be ‘hearts and minds’ (oh how I dislike that phrase, but it does).

We currently have an open call with a deadline of May 9.