Climate change
The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change found that to limit global warming to 1.5 ºC above pre-industrial levels and address the threats of climate change, nations need to achieve net zero carbon emissions by around 2050. The UK was the first major economy to pass a law requiring the greenhouse gas emissions in the UK to be net zero by 2050.
What is the county council doing?
We recognise the importance of climate change and its impact on the residents and business of Staffordshire. In July 2019 we declared a climate change emergency to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 across every aspect of our service provision and estate.
Climate change presents the county council and the Staffordshire public with both challenges and opportunities. By acting now and working together as a county, we can tackle the impacts that could arise, and at the same time benefit from initiatives that save money and protect the environment.
Each year we monitor our carbon emissions. To demonstrate a commitment to taking action to reduce climate change impacts we have released a Climate Change Strategic Development Framework and climate change action plan outlining how we are to tackle the councils emissions now and in the future.
This framework sets out how the council will achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Our priority is to reduce the emissions of our services and estate and covers five priority themes:
The councils emissions only represents 1% of the counties emissions, working with others is also an important action for us to achieve a more sustainable Staffordshire.
View the framework in full along with a downloadable and printable copy.
Our climate change action plan for 2020-21 covers the same five key areas in the Climate Change Strategic Development Framework.
The 2020-21 plan is available to download and/or print out:
Grants
Most local authorities in Staffordshire provide help for householders to repair, improve or adapt their living accommodation. Thermal insulation is one of the measures covered.
Help may be available in your district: