Exploring ways to tackle climate change in County Durham is the purpose of a new consultation that has been launched on Thursday 19 September.
Durham County Council declared a climate emergency earlier this year and set itself a target of reducing its own carbon emissions by 60 per cent by 2030 and for the county as a whole to be 100 per cent carbon neutral by 2050.
And to help it reach these targets, the council is seeking the public’s views on ways to reduce carbon emissions across the county.
The consultation coincided with the Global Climate Strike, a nationwide week of action which took place from Friday 20 to Friday 27 September. It saw campaigners urge decision makers to end the fossil fuels age and take immediate action to tackle climate change.
Cllr John Clare, Durham County Council’s climate change champion, said: “Since declaring a climate emergency earlier this year, we have been working hard with partner agencies to identify opportunities to reduce the council’s and the county’s CO2 emissions. Now, however, we need the public to make this initiative their own, and to tell us their ideas and how they can help – so if you live in, work in, shop in or visit County Durham, we want to hear from you.”
Cllr Carl Marshall, Cabinet member for economic regeneration, added: “We are committed to developing clean industries and promoting a green economy here in County Durham. However, we need to ensure the county has the right infrastructure in place to cope with these changes and we want people’s views as to how best to achieve this.”
Those who take part in the consultation will be asked their opinions on topics including heating, transport and electricity. All information submitted will be used to inform future policies.
The consultation runs until Thursday 31 October. To take part, visit www.durham.gov.uk/consultation
