Climate change
What is climate change?
Climate change refers to a large-scale, long-term shift in the planet's weather patterns and average temperatures. It is primarily caused by the increase in greenhouse gases in the earth's atmosphere.
Humans have contributed to the release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the air. This causes global temperatures to rise, resulting in long-term changes to the climate.
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.
What is net zero?
Carbon net zero means we're not adding more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere than we're taking out or offsetting, so the overall amount of carbon dioxide stays the same.
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.
Our strategic plan highlights climate change as one of its key principles. We have pledged to 'think climate change in all we do to limit our impact on the environment'.
Since declaring a climate change emergency, we have reduced our carbon emissions by 50%.
Help us to Make Staffordshire Sustainable
The effects of climate change for Staffordshire mean warmer, wetter winters, hotter, drier summers, and more extreme weather events, like flooding and heatwaves. Climate change presents us and our residents with both challenges and opportunities.
We are on a mission to Make Staffordshire Sustainable and we have made a commitment, as an organisation to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Together we can Make Staffordshire Sustainable, whether you are a resident, a business or a community group, small things that you do can make a big difference.
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: