Residents invited to information event on climate change
10 Oct 2019 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Northumberland County Council is taking the next step in its climate change commitment and is asking the public to play their part.
This summer the council declared a ‘climate emergency’ - vowing to half its carbon footprint by 2025 and make Northumberland carbon neutral by 2030.
Since 2010 the council has reduced its carbon emissions by a third and the area is now ranked as one of the greenest in the country. However it’s acknowledged it has a significant role to play in further reducing greenhouse gas emissions and cutting its carbon footprint.
The council is now developing a draft action plan, focusing on five key themes, and has identified a number of projects where the council and others can make a real difference.
An initial public meeting is being held at Morpeth Town Hall on Thursday, October 17 from 5pm to 7pm to gain some initial feedback on the emerging plans - with further opportunities for public engagement as the work progresses.
Space is limited, and those wishing to attend the event must register in advance - secure your place here now.
Councillor Glen Sanderson, Cabinet Member for Environment and Local Services, said: “This green county is our legacy and we must ensure we’re leaving it in good health for future generations.
“Whilst we will be doing everything we can to reduce our carbon emissions and are already one of the greenest local authority areas in the UK, a key part of our response to climate change is promoting and facilitating wider behaviour change - this is not an issue just for the council - it’s an issue for every one of us.
“That’s why we want to start an early discussion with our communities as we develop our action plan, and we hope people will sign up to come along to our event, and be part of that conversation.”
The council is already assessing a number of innovative new strands of work including micro hydro electricity generation, installation of solar car ports and using heat from mine water to provide a new, clean heat source.
On a more day-to-day level, the council is already looking at initiatives to expand its household waste recycling, including glass and more plastics, create more footpaths and cycling tracks, and increase the number of electric vehicle charging points in the county.