Carbon capture systems, hydrogen, nuclear power and electric vehicles are key elements in the government’s so-called “green recovery” plan.

At this Climate Breakdown Shakedown, we will discuss whether such technologies will help deal with climate change – and the danger that they could well make things worse.

The discussion will be opened by Ellen Robottom (Leeds Trade Union Council) and Simon Pirani (energy researcher and author of Burning Up: A Global History of Fossil Fuel Consumption). Ellen will explain why trade unions in Leeds are campaigning to support retrofitting homes with insulation and heat pumps, rather than a scheme to turn the gas network over to hydrogen. Simon will focus on political approaches to technology that could serve society’s needs.