One third of population covered by local net zero pledges
Local authorities representing more than a third of the UK population have now committed to meeting net zero targets by 2045 – five years earlier than central government.
The latest signatories to the UK100 Net Zero Pledge include Warwick District Council, London Borough of Lambeth, St Albans City and District Council, Brighton & Hove City Council and Hammersmith & Fulham Council. Together the 58 local authorities who have made their commitment to tackling climate change represent more than 23.5 million people in the UK.
The pledge commits councils to neutralising council emissions by 2030 and those of their residents and businesses by 2045 – five years ahead of the government’s 2050 target. In addition, more than 100 local authorities have pledged to run on 100% clean energy by 2050.
Polly Billington, Director of UK100, said: “These ambitious local leaders have pledged to do everything within their power to reach net zero emissions as soon as possible in a way that benefits their communities with new jobs and skills. From Edinburgh to Cornwall local leadership, alongside funding and powers, is key to winning the race to net zero.
Cllr Stephen Cowan, Leader of the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F), said: “Tackling climate change can’t be piecemeal. That’s why it is so important that towns and cities across the country join together in committing to the goal of keeping global heating below the 1.5°C set out in the Paris Agreement, through initiatives like UK100.”
Cllr Andrew Day, Leader of Warwick District Council, said: “We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon organisation and in partnership with our business and communities are seeking to rapidly reduce carbon emissions from across our district. Making this pledge underlines this commitment and reminds us all of the need to think of the future but to act now.”
