Council agrees Climate Action Plan to help Kingston become carbon neutral by 2038
Kingston’s Climate Action Plan, setting out the council’s plans to help move the borough to becoming carbon neutral by 2038, has been approved at Place Committee (10 March).
The updated plan, which aims to deliver safer streets, warmer homes, new jobs and improved air quality, has been shaped by community and expert feedback following the Kingston Climate Conversation in 2021.
Over 300 people engaged and gave feedback through surveys, emails and focus groups, with 78% of people stating that tackling climate change should be a priority for the council.
As a result of the feedback, the council’s aims and ambitions have been widened to further help move the borough to carbon neutrality by 2038, while working with residents and partners to influence carbon reduction.
With investment already made to reduce emissions from its vehicles, buildings and street lighting, the council now aims to be carbon neutral in its operations by 2030. To help achieve this, the council will maintain a focus on attracting green funding and grants to Kingston, to ensure the borough is able to take the action that’s needed.
Councillor Stephanie Archer, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainable Transport said:
“Climate change is the biggest threat that faces us and our planet and I am proud that we are publishing our ambitious Climate Emergency Action Plan today, which sets out how we can reduce our carbon emissions as a council and as a borough.
“The impacts of climate change are clear. Risks to water supplies, localised flooding, loss of biodiversity, heat stresses, food insecurity and an impact on the health and wellbeing of our residents could all be felt in Kingston.
“By taking climate action in the borough, we’ll not only be protecting the environment, we’ll be protecting people too and helping them to live healthier, more active lives.
“Thank you to all those who shared their thoughts and feedback. I look forward to working with the community and sharing our progress in the coming months and years as we deliver the action plan.”
The council will use its role as a facilitator and influencer to empower communities, businesses and partners to take effective climate action as the country makes strides to become net zero.