Members of Forest of Dean District Council aim to make the District carbon neutral by 2030.

Meeting on December 6th, members noted the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) warning that enormous harm would result from a 2 degree Centigrade rise in global warming, compared with the Paris Agreement’s limit of a 1.5 degree increase. The Councillors declared a ‘Climate Emergency’ with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality for Forest of Dean District Council and the district by 2030, taking into account both production and consumption emissions. 

Cllr Tim Gwilliam is very keen to rise to this challenge. He said: “The climate change clock is ticking and the onus is on local authorities and other public and private organisations to take the boldest steps and reduce our CO2 emissions.  Currently these emissions amount to 6.5 tonnes per person per year and this figure needs to reduce to less than 2 tonnes as soon as possible.

“Cynics may argue that the risk of a 2 degree C rise in global warming is not a problem but they should realise that the extra half a degree rise above the Paris Agreement limit would worsen the risks of drought, floods, extreme heat and poverty significantly for hundreds of millions of people. In contrast, positive action on climate can deliver economic benefits in terms of new jobs, economic savings and market opportunities - as well as improved well-being for people worldwide.

“Provided we receive the necessary powers, resources and funding, we are eager to work with other councils and organisations – both within the UK and beyond – to determine and implement best practice methods to limit global warming to below 1.5 degrees C.

“We also intend to work closely with all our partners across the district, county and region to help deliver carbon neutrality through all relevant strategies and plans.”