To wonder how the general public would actually react if the government took drastic climate change measures?

[tequilasunrises]

I’m talking about measures that would severely restrict people’s ability to live how they choose. For example, implanting a one/two child policy, heavy restrictions on animal products and car and air travel mileage.

From reading threads on here and talking to people in real life it is clear that many people agree something needs to be done to stop climate change but aren’t willing to make the bigger sacrifices.

So, who thinks there would be uproar and who thinks the public would be behind extreme measures?

I’d be very sad to have my travel opportunities limited but would be behind it for the greater good.

"Its not as if only workers drive on roads, is it? I cannot think of any other country that has an equivalent to motability allowance permitting new car purchase every 3 years."

DLA is not an out of work benefit. Motability is a leasing scheme. People don't own the cars.

Simple answer to the public transport issue is increase fuel tax or introduce distance taxation, and spend that on public transport.

But you can't increase fuel tax when there isn't a viable alternative for people to use instead. Huge swathes of the country don't have access to decent public transport - there are lots of country towns who don't the access to trains or buses, or if they do, they don't run at times that would allow commuters to use them for work, or they cost 2/3 times more than a car would cost.

People aren't going to choose an option that's more expensive, more time-consuming and less practical.

@R44Me maybe but the prospect of having to drive every single time I want to go anywhere or need milk would put the frown right back on my face .

Unless I learned how to forage, become completely self sustaining and rely on myself alone maybe . I think I'm a die hard townie.

snuggy you can go on nice country walks or get a bike. Being in the country/ out of town doesn't mean you have to drive everywhere.

Not when there is no pavement and the roads are to dangerous to cycle on. There is a nice walk down a canal with a decent pub but you have to drive to the start of other walks. This place is my ILs idea of heaven and my idea of hell.

I'll always be a die hard townie 😁

It's where your ILs live rather than the whole countryside

I dont understand why trains need to be so horrifically expensive. I’d happily cycle to my nearest train station each morning (20 mins) but a ticket costs £10 a day and as me and DH both need to go that’s £100 a week. We currently spend that on a whole months worth of fuel. Trains could be ideal for many if they were efficient, affordable and clean. But no it has to be about bloody profit.

@Teateaandmoretea oh yeah I wouldn't generalise about the countryside. I've no doubt a place can be both beautiful and well connected. This place is honestly just soulless and isolated. The roads are really busy and congested and there is almost nothing there but houses.