Council making progress towards net zero goals with new climate action measures
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council is making progress towards its net zero goals with the launch of new measures to tackle climate change.
The council has set a target to achieve net zero carbon emissions as an organisation by 2030 and across the borough by 2050.
On 7 January, it formally adopted a new Transition to Net Zero Strategy setting out how it will achieve its vision of becoming a sustainable, biodiverse borough.
The strategy is supported by an action plan detailing around 100 projects that will help achieve the net zero targets across a range of areas including transport, planning, biodiversity and resources.
In a further measure to boost sustainability, residents will be given free online climate awareness training thanks to a partnership between the council and Meritec.
The 20-minute course, which can be completed from any device, will raise awareness about key issues, highlight what is already being done, and provide ideas on how to live more sustainably.
Staff and councillors will also complete the course as part of the council’s mandatory internal training programme.
On 15 January, the climate biodiversity cabinet panel approved the council’s support of the Climate and Nature Bill, which is designed to boost the UK’s climate ambitions in line with the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
The bill sets out four main clauses: a target for climate, a target for nature, accounting for the UK’s emissions and ecological footprints, and ensuring the transition to a green economy happens in a fair way that does not leave behind sections of society.
Supporting the bill demonstrates the council’s ongoing commitment to addressing climate change.
Cllr Max Holloway, Leader of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and Executive Member for Climate Change, said:
“Action on climate change is a key priority for the council and our residents, and we are making progress on this by setting out clear steps that we will take to reduce emissions across the borough.
“Empowering residents is hugely important, and we want to make sure everyone has access to information that will help them live more sustainably. We want to thank everyone who has shared their views with us so far.
“Together, we can create a greener borough while helping the UK meet its international commitments on climate change.”
The Transition to Net Zero Strategy is here, and the action plan is available here.
To access the training course and find out more about the how the council is taking action on climate change, visit the Welwyn Hatfield Climate Hub.
For more information on the Climate and Nature Bill, visit: Zero Hour - Join the campaign for the Climate & Nature Bill