Climate change proposals aim to make a difference
FRESH proposals designed to tackle climate change and make Leicestershire a net zero carbon county by 2045 have been set out.
The draft strategy sets out Leicestershire County Council’s plan to join forces with residents, councils, businesses, universities and others in the race to net zero.
Big drops in business mileage and energy use mean that the council has cut its own emissions by almost 75% and is currently on track to become carbon-neutral by 2030.
A major three-month consultation, enabling people to have their say on the key challenge, is also proposed in the report.
Councillor Blake Pain, cabinet member for the environment and the green agenda, said: “We’re a green council. That’s why cutting carbon and boosting biodiversity is being built into our services – and we’re making good progress.
“The draft strategy and action plan looks at the next step. Tackling climate change across the whole of Leicestershire is too big a job for any one organisation. And importantly, it sets out how we can work together to get to net zero by 2045.
“Everyone can play their part and I’d urge people to get involved. By having your say on this key plan, you’ll be shaping a greener Leicestershire for future generations.” Included in the draft plan are:
■ Key facts and figures to show the current picture;
■ What the council is already doing – such as:
- running electric park-and-ride buses and converting fleet vehicles to run on green fuel
- building eco-friendly schools - planting 700,000 trees, one for every resident
- boosting biodiversity – creating wildflower verges and supporting farmers to plant trees
- developing its property portfolio to support the “green” economy
- supporting households to reduce their energy consumption;
■ Areas earmarked for action, which will have the most impact, are:
- reducing carbon emissions generated by transport
- reducing energy use in buildings, plus improving energy efficiency and adding new renewable energy generation
- supporting businesses to go green
- supporting communities to tackle climate change
- increasing the removal and storage of carbon in natural systems like soil and forests.