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.
Our climate change actions
We have drawn up a draft list of over 150 planned climate change actions, covering areas such as energy, buildings, travel and waste. Some actions we will take directly, while others will be delivered alongside our partners.
We have already switched to green electricity for BCP Council buildings, one of our key climate achievements so far.
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.