Pledge on emissions as council leader calls on all to play a part

» GLOUCESTERSHIRE has joined 100 UK councils in launching ‘brave’ plans to cut emissions to net zero by 2045five years ahead the Government’s target.

The county has signed up to the New Cities Race to Zero alliance, which will see leaders pledge to do everything within their powers to slash emissions.

They have also committed to annually reporting their progress, from 2022 onwards.

Under the pledge, each of the 100 leaders vow to ‘assess their largest impacts on climate change, be bold and brave in carrying out action and prioritise where action needs to be taken’.

Action is needed because the world is on track for temperature rises of more than 3°C this century, a UN report warns. This could have catastrophic effects on communities.

Councillor Mark Hawthorne, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said the authority had already cut its own carbon emissions by 97 per cent.

He said: “Now we all must play our part in the vital task of cutting the emissions of the county as a whole.

“This is a recognition of the urgency of doing so, and the council’s role in leading that process.”

Councillor Joe Harris, Leader, Cotswold District Council, said his authority is a founding member of UK100’S Countryside Climate Network, because he believes the fight for a ‘liveable planet is the defining challenge of our age’.

He said: “We’re determined to step up to that challenge.

“As a rural district we’ve got distinct strengths and weaknesses in meeting that challenge, so we look forward to working more closely with UK100 in sharing ideas and achievements with our fellow rural councils.”

The group of cross-party leaders will work together over the coming year to push for more funding and powers from central Government which will enable them to go even “further and faster” in the journey to Net Zero.

Representing 20.4 million people, almost a third of the UK’S population, it’s hoped by the alliance joining forces more can be achieved.