Reviewing our climate action from the last year
2 October 2024
At Cabinet today (2 October), we reviewed our Climate Change and Nature Emergency Annual Report for 2023/2024, which highlights the progress made in tackling climate change and improving nature recovery across the district.
The report outlines our ongoing efforts to reduce our environmental impact whilst preparing the district for the challenges and opportunities brought by climate change. These efforts focus on four core priorities - carbon reduction, climate adaptation, nature recovery, and programme management.
Between 1 January 2023 and 31 March 2024, emissions from both the council and district area decreased by approximately 2%. The report includes several case studies of projects undertaken by us during this time to help to achieve this reduction. This includes establishing a new community energy programme, creating a digital resident feedback platform to reduce carbon resource impacts, and installing new toilets on Barton Beach that meet the highest sustainability standards.
Other case studies also highlight how we have worked towards supporting nature recovery. This includes implementing a new behavioural insights litter programme, installing swift boxes while retrofitting housing stock, and planting a new wildflower meadow and woodland at Fawley Fields.
Cllr Geoffrey Blunden, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, said: "I'm pleased to see some real progress reflected in this year's report, particularly the decrease in carbon emissions. However, we recognise that there is still more that we can do. In 2021, we declared a Climate Change and Nature Emergency, which demands sustained action, and we remain fully committed to working with our staff, communities, and partners to making the changes needed to reach both our, and the government's, climate aims."
The report outlines the next steps that we are taking to make further progress on its climate aims. This includes providing Carbon Literacy training for staff, continuing to help residents to reduce their fuel costs, working with Town and Parish Councils to protect and enhance the local environment, and managing the risks from coastal erosion. This is as well as creating a Member Task and Finish Group, starting in autumn 2024, to inform a wider long-term strategy.
The full 2023/2024 report is available on our website: https://democracy.newforest.gov.uk/documents/s30045/Report%20-%20Climate%20Change%20and%20Nature%20Emergency%20Annual%20Update%202023-24.pdf
More information:
New Forest District Council declared a Climate Change and Nature Emergency in 2021. Its mission statement is: "Working with our partners, our vision is to create a net zero, climate resilient and nature positive New Forest District which provides a safe and prosperous environment now and in the future."
The Climate Change and Nature Emergency Annual Report 2023/24 is aligned with the council's Corporate Plan for 2024-2028. The activities listed in the report align with several Corporate Plan priorities, such as Place Priority 2 - Protecting our climate, coast and natural world. More information about the Corporate Plan is available at https://newforest.gov.uk/corporateplan
In April 2024, New Forest District Council approved its Future New Forest Transformation Programme. In this programme, climate and sustainability is identified as one of four key challenges to be addressed. More information about the Future New Forest Transformation programme is available at https://democracy.newforest.gov.uk/documents/s27727/Appendix%201%20-%20Transformation%20Strategy%202024-2028.pdf
The council's work supports the UK government's target to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. More information is available on the GOV.UK website.
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