Doncaster announces climate vision

10th December 2020 - 13:34

A report commissioned by Doncaster’s Local Strategic Partnership, Team Doncaster, has concluded that action is required to tackle climate change with the next decade to 2030 the most crucial. A vision produced by Doncaster Climate and Biodiversity Commission says Doncaster should aim for net-zero emissions by 2040.

The Doncaster Commission, which was supported by the Place-Based Climate Action Network, states that Doncaster is already on the “front line” of the climate emergency, experiencing flooding as a result of much greater than usual rainfall in the region and serious wildfires on Thorne and Hatfield Moors peatlands.

Doncaster Council declared a climate and biodiversity emergency in 2019 and set up the Commission, which is chaired by Ed Miliband, MP for Doncaster North. Other members included representatives from the University of Leeds (PCAN’s Dr Alice Owen), Doncaster Chamber of Commerce, Environment Agency, Doncaster Sheffield Airport, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Engie Energy Services, Doncaster County Public Health and parish councillors.  

The report, published today (10 December 2020), makes a number of recommendations and details an ambitious roadmap for Doncaster which includes plans to transition towards green transport, improve energy efficiency in homes and a significant increase in Doncaster's tree cover.

Dr Alice Owen, who engages with businesses on behalf of PCAN, said: “PCAN has been delighted to support Team Doncaster, with a carbon budget roadmap at the beginning of the process, and sharing the experience of other towns and cities on the same quest.”

Ed Miliband, along with Doncaster’s Mayor, Ros Jones, and UK Youth Parliament representative Anna Russin, have contributed to a video statement that stresses responding to climate change needs a “team effort”.

Team Doncaster is urging businesses and individuals to help to deliver the targets, including improving their carbon footprint, and for individuals to make more sustainable choices in their daily lives. Reducing car journeys and increasing active travel, using smart meters, throwing away less and recycling more are all encouraged as cheap and easy to do solutions.

The report will inform Doncaster’s Environment Strategy. 

Read the report: https://www.teamdoncaster.org.uk/the-commission

 

 

 

 

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