As Earth Day inspires global action for environmental sustainability, the Rural Services Network (RSN) calls for a comprehensive approach to achieving net zero in rural areas. Representing 40% of England's constituencies, rural regions are pivotal in combating climate change and promoting green growth. The RSN's "Winning the Rural Vote" campaign outlines specific policy asks, urging all political parties to prioritize rural areas in the journey toward a sustainable future.

Key Challenges and Opportunities

Rural areas, rich in natural resources, have significant potential for renewable energy production and green job creation. However, they face unique challenges in energy infrastructure, transportation, and fuel poverty. The RSN emphasises the need to upgrade rural energy infrastructure to support the growing demand from electric vehicles and heat pumps, while ensuring that the expansion of renewable energy sources benefits local communities to avoid resistance.

Transportation is a particular concern, given the longer distances and limited public transport options in rural regions. The RSN's policy asks include expanding rural electric vehicle charging networks and exploring hydrogen or alternative technologies to decarbonise public transport. Additionally, the RSN highlights the importance of addressing the energy needs of rural properties, especially those off the mains gas grid, to ensure a fair transition to net zero.

RSN's Policy Asks for a Sustainable Rural Future

To support the net-zero transition, the RSN advocates for:

Economic Growth and Housing: Implementing low-carbon growth programs to guide and fund rural businesses in reducing their carbon footprints and promoting energy-efficient housing in rural areas.

Renewable Energy and Efficiency: Encouraging renewable energy in housing, considering alternatives for homes unsuitable for heat pumps, and supporting energy-efficient housing models.

Transport and Infrastructure: Expanding rural electric vehicle charging networks, exploring electric/hydrogen public transport options, and ensuring infrastructure can support these changes.

Energy Networks and Local Services: Strengthening rural electricity networks for the net-zero transition, funding local renewable energy projects, and maintaining local services and digital connectivity to promote sustainable rural living.

Kerry Booth, Chief Executive, Rural Services Network Earth Day is a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect the planet. The RSN's "Winning the Rural Vote" campaign calls on all political parties to act, ensuring that rural areas are not left behind in the transition to a net-zero future. By addressing unique challenges and leveraging the strengths of rural areas, we can build a sustainable and equitable future for all.

Click on the chapters below to explore more context and data that bolster the Winning The Rural Vote campaign's requests

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