A strategy to make Dorset a centre for the clean economy by 2030

 A proper strategy for making Dorset a centre for the clean economy by 2030 could include:

incentives for every office and home to have better insulation (EPC C or above), solar panels and batteries;

more onshore and offshore windfarms and solar farms, sited with local community agreement and local rewards (eg cheaper electricity, etc)

more incentives for alternatives to gas central heating, including heat pumps, including community-level projects

training centres for more skilled workers to instal and maintain insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, batteries

a household ombudsman service to help households with decisions about installing insulation, solar panels, batteries, electric vehicle chargers, etc

incentives for public and private charging points for electric vehicles;

incentives to trade in petrol and diesel vehicles for electric alternatives

more cycling and walking routes and better public transport to reduce the need for private vehicle use

an expansion of eco-tourism to generate revenue, including to invest in protection of Dorset's natural capital

Dorset could explore a range of mechanisms to fund investments in the clean economy, including Givernment grants, green bonds etc.

Dorset can boost its economy, generating jobs and prosperity across the county, through investments in the clean economy. For instance, Dorset has a wealth of potential renewable energy, particularly wind and solar, which could be harnessed without harming our areas of outstanding natural beauty. More local generation of renewable energy, and reduced dependence on fosil fuels, and greater energy efficiency would reduce bills for households and businesses. Dorset could create many new jobs in the installation and manitenance of the clean energy infrastructure, and could invest in training that local workers are well placed to seize these opportunities. It would also attract companies from outside Dorset to invest in the county as a leader in the clean economy.

This would require a clear and robust strategy and strong political leadership from Dorset Council, working with communities, the private sector, and government at all levels from Government Departments to parish councils.

These investments would contribute to reviving the UK's sluggish economy, and reduce Dorset's greenhouse gas emissions, helping the UK along its path to net zero emissions.