We were delighted to welcome Mr Anthony Hoskins for the second Scholars’ Masterclass of the Spring Term on Monday 5 February. In his presentation, Mr Hoskins spoke about climate change, including challenges and realistic aims.
Mr Hoskins began his Masterclass by introducing himself, talking about his background and how he went from a career in corporate business to focussing on climate change. Until 1999, he was a Marketing and Supply Change Director and from then until 2016, owned and ran a consultancy where he advised companies on sustainability and their carbon footprint. From 2016, Mr Hoskins is Chair of a sustainability consultancy in the local area.
Turning to focus on climate change, Mr Hoskins did a recap for our pupils on what ‘net zero’ is – the idea state where the amount of green house gases (GHG) released into the atmosphere is balanced by the amount of GHCs removed. He talked about actions to reduce GHCs which include nuclear, wind, and solar power; as well as changing vehicles to electric or hydrogen power. On a smaller scale that can be achieved on an individual basis, actions could include planting trees and bushes, thus highlighting that everybody can play a role.
Moving on to focus on what larger companies should be measuring when it comes to their carbon footprint, Mr Hoskins spoke of some of the challenges which includes reporting consistently in different countries. There are also challenges in recording certain data such as water usage and water disposed.
There are also challenges closer to home as Mr Hoskins outlined. With solar panels, some buildings are not kept in good enough conditions which could lead to the panels being damaged and, as is the case with building in Henley, homes could not install panels due to the age of the properties. Mr Hoskins also identified other barriers to cleaner energy sources which included contract lengths, public complaints, and legal barriers.
Mr Hoskins finished his Masterclass by talking about how feasible it is for the UK to achieve net zero. While believing this it is, Mr Hoskins nonetheless thinks that it will be challenging and will require a heavy focus on nuclear and solar power, large plantations of trees, and carbon capture to name but a few.
Thank you to Mr Hoskins for taking the time to visit the College and to talk to our pupils. As well as our scholars, it was great to see many Eco-Committee members in attendance as well!
