We have set out commitment to tackle climate change by signing up to the UK100.
The UK100 is a network of local authority and government leaders that work together to create and implement ambitious plans to tackle the climate crisis.
The UK100 Membership Pledge requires us to:
- Set ambitious net zero targets for greenhouse emissions of 2030 for council operations and 2050 for areawide emissions, which we have already done in our Climate Action Plan.
- Report annually on greenhouse gas emissions, both for the council and for Essex as a whole. We have just published our Climate Action Report giving updates on actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase climate resilience.
- To limit the use of carbon offsets, and if used, for these to be as local as possible.
As part of the network, we will be working with others across the UK to support our efforts to become net zero by 2050.
We join 106 other local authorities already part of the UK100.
Speaking on the County Council becoming part of the UK100, Leader of the Council Cllr Kevin Bentley said: “By signing this pledge we are increasing our capability to effectively fight climate change and work to become a net zero county.
“At Essex County Council we take tackling the climate crisis seriously and understand that to fight climate change we need to go above and beyond.
“Joining the UK100 will enable us to work with other local authorities and reap the rewards of collaboration with our counterparts from across the country.”
Find out more about the Essex Climate Action Commission and plans for tackling climate change in Essex.