Local authorities have a key role to play in responding to the climate emergency. Whilst local authorities in the UK are, on average, directly responsible for only 2-5% of local emissions, they can influence up to a third of emissions through the services they deliver, their role as a community leader, major employer, large-scale procurer, and so on.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council is committed to achieving net zero through reducing its own carbon emissions across council operations, and by working with communities and organisations to influence behaviours and ambitions on climate change across the county.
Following the declaration of a climate emergency in February 2021, the Council has developed a Climate Change Strategy 2022-2030. The strategy establishes a strategic vision and sets priorities for rapid decarbonisation and building climate resilience across the East Riding.
Climate Change Strategy 2022-2030 (pdf 8.5mb)
Responding to climate change involves two approaches:
- Mitigation - reducing our carbon emissions in an attempt to lessen the extent of climate change
- Adaptation - becoming better prepared for, and more resilient to the impacts of, a changing climate.
The strategy explores key priorities and opportunities for climate mitigation and adaptation across the East Riding, which have been shaped by analysis of local data, expertise from across the authority, feedback from key partners and public consultation.