Huntingdonshire District Council's (HDC) ongoing efforts to tackle the causes and effects of climate change has seen the council climb up the ranking tables in the latest Climate Emergency UK (CEUK) scorecard results.
According to the CEUK scorecards, HDC achieved an overall score of 27%, positioning the council around the national average at 96th out of 164 districts. These results reflect the council's ongoing commitment to mitigating the effects of climate change and contributing to a more sustainable future for our community.
CEUK assesses councils across seven areas of activity including, buildings and heating, transport, governance and finance, planning, biodiversity, collaboration and engagement, and waste reduction and food.
Executive Councillor for Climate and Environment, Councillor Lara Davenport-Ray, said: "We are pleased with our 27% score this year and the improvement we have made. CEUK scored HDC's climate action at 0% in 2021. This improvement shows that our council's efforts and initiatives are indeed moving us in the right direction.
"The most highly scored district council this year achieved only 61%. So even in areas that are taking drastic and swift climate action, tackling climate change is an immense challenge. We can all do more to reduce carbon emissions and prevent loss of nature.
"While we celebrate our achievement, we remain dedicated to creating a sustainable future for our community. This fuels our determination to forge ahead in the fight against climate change. Together, we will continue to take significant steps to secure a cleaner, greener, and more resilient future for Huntingdonshire."
HDC adopted a new Climate Strategy in February 2023. This strategy includes a plan for council operations to reach net carbon zero by 2040. It also outlines how the council will support and encourage local people to take climate action.
The priorities included in the Climate Strategy were shaped by analysis of local emissions data and expert advice as well as feedback from residents, children, communities, businesses, and partners.
On Friday 17 November 2023, Huntingdonshire's community groups, business owners, farmers, parish councils and environmentalists will gather to talk about climate. This 'Climate Conversation' will share ideas about tackling climate change, enriching nature and supporting wildlife. It will also provide a space to learn from each other with a variety of speakers from across our community.
Following this, on Saturday 18 November, Huntingdonshire District Council will welcome families and residents to Hinchingbrooke Country Park to learn more about what each of us can do to take climate action and support nature.
There will be hands-on activities, as well as space to talk about our changing climate and explore what each of us can do to make a difference. Visitors can also share stories about climate action they are already taking both at home and in their community.