2023 is going to be a challenging year. But today we’re reflecting on some of the good news that 2023 might bring for the planet.

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We’ve tasked our Fossil Fuels campaigners to explain why 2023 could be a positive year for the climate.

1. Alice Harrison, Campaign Lead, is personally excited about her new heat pump. She says:

My gas boiler conked out a few months ago and I’ve just had a heat pump installed. Heat pumps are more efficient than boilers, and they run on electricity (not fossil fuels) so are way cleaner and better for the climate. On balance they’re cheaper too – something to feel excited about at a time when energy bills are cripplingly expensive. Now all we need in 2023 is for the UK government to better subsidise the roll-out of heat pumps so that everyone can get one!

2. Alexander Kirk, Communications Advisor, is looking forward to the new Brazilian government enacting their favourable policies for the climate. He says:

One of the positives that came out of COP27, the climate conference at the end of last year, is the announcements made by Brazil’s new government. In 2023 we can look forward to a renewed focus on the environment in Brazil, the protection of the Amazon and the protection of indigenous communities.

3. Malina McLennan, Data Investigations Advisor, is excited to see what new climate and newsroom teams uncover. She says:

I can’t wait to see what 2023 brings for climate journalism. It was great to see that in 2022 newsrooms worldwide massively invested in their capacity to cover climate stories, despite economic uncertainty and widespread layoffs in the journalism industry.
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4. Jon Noronha-Gant, Senior Investigator, is optimistic about the future of green technology. He says:

I'm looking forward to saving over £11 trillion! That's what I - okay we - get by switching off fossil fuels and switching on renewables. It's science, fact, math, and had better work because how else to pay my kid's college fund?

5. Sarah Becker, Senior Investigator, is looking forward to increased attention on degrowth economics. She says:

This year I am hopeful about the increasing attention to the benefits of degrowth. Last year a report by the IPCC mentioned the potential role of degrowth policies in stopping climate breakdown. At the end of 2022, research concluded that degrowth can work, suggesting policies to reduce less-necessary production (such as of fossil fuels) and introducing a green jobs guarantee. Such a fundamental reshuffle could hugely increase quality of life and wellbeing.
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