By giving the green light to the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station – public support for which is at ‘rock bottom’ – Theresa May’s government has shown it’s completely out of touch with public opinion on the UK’s energy future.

The news follows a blunt warning that the government’s climate change and environment policies aren’t fit for purpose. MPs on the Energy and Climate Change Committee called for ‘urgent action’, warning that, without major policy improvements, the UK will miss its 2020 renewable energy targets.

But while the politicians stand back, individuals up and down the UK – across all sectors – are stepping up and going to extraordinary lengths to help set us on a path to a low-carbon future.

A record number of entries to this year’s P.E.A. (People. Environment. Achievement.) Awards confirms a surge in UK residents taking to the streets, the forests and the oceans – the offices and the schools – to demonstrate sustainable, workable alternatives to failing government policies.

‘Can there be any hope left of leadership from Westminster? Cameron’s promise to lead ‘the greenest government ever’ is in tatters following a pro-fracking premiership that prioritised fossil fuels over renewables, and within hours of becoming Prime Minister Theresa May set the wheels in motion to close DECC – the very department charged with tackling climate change. It’s becoming increasingly clear that action on climate change will have to come from the bottom up – from a new wave of revolutionaries who understand we need to move now.’

JARVIS SMITH
P.E.A. Awards founder

Last year the Great British Oceans Coalition was crowned overall P.E.A. Champion for leading a tireless campaign following which the UK government agreed to create the world’s largest marine reserve around the Pitcairn Islands. The team was applauded by the judges for getting the government to act.

However, this year’s P.E.A. Award entries and nominations reveal a growing number of individuals are bypassing government departments and taking matters into their own hands.

The awards ceremony

The winners will be announced at a glamorous green carpet event on 07 October, where guests will get a chance to network with high-flying sustainability pioneers at Brighton’s brand new i360 tower.

There will be mouthwatering vegan food, outstanding entertainment, first-class speakers – including Caroline Lucas – and signature drinks from Juniper Green organic gin and Bison Beer.