Individually: Collectively?

Nimby is an acronym for 'not in my back yard'. It's a term applied to folk who resist developments near their homes. It often used to imply the nimby would be happy to see change in someone else's 'back yard'. The 'think tank' Resolution Foundation, maintains the UK government will have to 'take on net-zero nimbys' to decarbonise Britain's homes; transport and electricity systems (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/jul/22/labour-decarbonise-britain-resolution-foundation-report-net-zero-nimbys). The Resolution Foundation may well be essentially right but the UK has a strong tension between individual and collective 'needs'. Railways; trams; canals; major roads; pipe-lines for water/gas; electricity distribution system etc. all serve communities and the country. When, however, this infrastructure is modified; upgraded or extended, tension is invariably created with 'locals'. Many people may want and need the amenities. The changes, however, may be perceived by others as 'blighting' their locality. In recent times, the UK hasn't been very good at resolving what are really planning issues. Climate change means that urgent modifications must be made to the UK's infra-structure. This is needed to both minimise our contribution to global heating and to 'future proof' services. We don't want roads and rail tracks that distort in the heat and/or flood. The UK needs to get better at bringing people along with it, in its planning decisions. Some wealthier locations may have to accommodate more change for the collective 'good'. We can't get to a situation, where those 'with the deepest pockets', prevent changes in 'their' area. Labelling any resisters as 'net-zero nimbys' might, however, not be an optimal start. Diplomacy may may serve us better.