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Published on Wednesday 18 December 2019

Councillors from across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole have endorsed a set of proposed actions to tackle climate change.

In response to the Climate Emergency, Full Council yesterday (17 December) endorsed more than 150 proposed actions needed to make Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole carbon neutral by 2050.

Sustainable planning policies, transport infrastructure improvements, as well as energy efficiency and waste minimisation schemes all feature as part of the proposed actions that will go to public consultation.

Car free town centres, congestion charging to fund public transport, sustainable travel, natural burials, and plastic free consumption are just some of the proposed actions to be prioritised and then go out to consultation endorsed by councillors.

Councillor Felicity Rice, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, said "I am delighted Full Council has endorsed going out to consult on this working document of actions needed. The challenges ahead cannot be underestimated but the benefits of creating positive change are life changing for future generations. As the 12th largest unitary authority in the UK, we are keen to lead the way when it comes to thinking about the climate in everything we do, with all our residents, and that includes creating a thriving green economy. I look forward to welcoming all climate friendly initiatives, no matter how big or small, within the BCP area. This really is about creating opportunities, for example making our streets safer so that children can walk and cycle to school without worrying about injury and insulating all our homes to reduce fuel poverty. I am really looking forward to working with everyone and the public to act in keeping with the climate science and be as ambitious and creative as possible."

The proposed actions are set out in the Climate and Ecological Emergency Action Plan.

A public consultation and engagement programme on the proposed actions will be launched in 2020.

At the meeting councillors also endorsed a set of proposed plans for BCP Council to become carbon neutral by 2030. Proposed actions include reducing the need for staff to travel, making buildings energy efficient, generating more power from renewable resources and minimising waste.

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