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About the climate and ecological emergency

We formally declared a climate emergency in July 2019. We agreed that climate change is a serious risk to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole's future. This is an extension of our commitment to the Paris Pledge for Action.

What does this mean?

By formally declaring the emergency, we are saying that the work that we are all doing to tackle climate change needs to grow and speed up. Communities, councils, businesses and the government need to stop harmful emissions as soon as possible, together.

Our efforts to tackle the climate and ecological emergency are a key objective towards a sustainable environment - one of the priorities of our Corporate Strategy.

Plans to become carbon neutral

We are drawing up plans for our operations to become carbon neutral by 2030. We are also looking at how early the rest of the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area can become carbon neutral, ahead of the national target of 2050. To become carbon neutral, our net carbon output needs to be zero.

Local action can help

Even the smallest positive action is better than no action at all. Making an area more sustainable has many positive benefits including improved air quality, a secure energy supply, a healthier population and more.

You can help tackle climate change

You can help reduce emissions right now. By making homes more energy efficient, reducing and recycling your waste, choosing alternatives to car travel - every bit helps. Find out more about how you can help.

Traffic and congestion are a major issue

Reducing the amount of cars on the road will be part of the zero carbon plan. Our latest efforts include our bid for the Transforming Cities Fund. This fund allows us to improve our bus and cycling network and use technology to better monitor and control traffic.

Read the Councillor's workbook on acting on climate change.

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