"The need to reduce carbon emissions while protecting jobs and prosperity is a key challenge for progressive politicians, both practically and ideologically. Using opposition to the third runway at Heathrow as a case-in-point, Clive Soley argues that the adoption of negative policies which impinge on individual choice and quality of life are counter-productive and electorally damaging. To lead a low-carbon transition social democrats must facilitate technological innovation and encourage lifestyle changes through incentives and financial inducements, not suffering and sacrifice."

Support: Digital