Ambitious targets to get the UK to net zero carbon require quick solutions and alternatives to the use of fossil fuels within a decade.

A ban on the sale of fossil fuel vehicles in the UK is expected in 2030, this is just one of the hundreds of measures that are being introduced to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.

One of the newest announcements by the Government is a ban on sales of new gas boilers by 2030, with new homes needing to make the change by 2025.

It is estimated about 14 per cent of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions come from heating the UK’s poor housing stock, most of which is also draughty and energy inefficient.

The high costs associated with replacing gas boilers and/or, making homes more efficient will mean those on the lowest incomes will not be able to make the swap to make their homes greener.

A scheme to insulate homes was recently scrapped.

Some new homes are already being built with alternatives to gas such as electric heat pumps, but the cost of this technology is estimated to add £5,000 to the cost of a new home.

But to meet the ambitious targets of net zero carbon, retrofitting older homes needs to be part of the priority.

There should be a drive to ensure all homes are made energy efficient, providing free or heavily subsidised alternatives to gas boilers to all households, along with insulation.

Another measure which has been in place in London for many years, formerly known as a congestion charge, now known as low emission or clean air zones, are being implemented in other cities across the UK.

To travel into certain areas, normally city centres, older, more polluting vehicles must pay a charge, with certain low or zero emission vehicles exempt.

Whilst this has been proven to reduce the number of vehicles traveling into an area and therefore reducing emissions, more widespread measures would be needed to reduce the number of fossil fuel vehicles.

However, these measures are criticised by some for hitting those on low incomes with a further tax, for not being able to afford to change to electric vehicles.

If we are to meet UK and world targets to reach net zero a massive investment programme is needed.

To end our reliance on fossil fuels everybody needs to be able to.

At the moment it is far too expensive for those on low incomes to switch to having greener homes and cars.

A mass programme of retrofitting older homes with heat pumps, insulation and electric vehicle charging should begin, this needs to be affordable or free for all.

The UK’s demand for electricity will inevitably increase dramatically, so increasing output of renewable energy production should also be part of the long term plan.

We all need to play our part, but only when measures to transition away from fossil fuels are universal can the reliance on a finite resource come to an end.