Hull City Council has added its name to the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Action Pledge, setting out its commitment to play its part in tackling the climate emergency.
Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission, an independent body set up to support and guide the region’s organisations, officially launched the Climate Action Pledge this week at the Yorkshire Post Climate Change Summit in Leeds.
The pledge asks organisations to make the commitment to:
- become ‘climate ready’ – adapting to the changing climate, becoming resilient to future impacts
- reduce carbon emissions, with the goal of reaching ‘net zero’ (a balance between the amount of greenhouse gas produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere)
- enhance nature and biodiversity
- help promote a fair transition that leaves no one and nowhere behind
The pledge also requires organisations to adhere to the four principles of strong leadership, an engaged workforce, engaged stakeholders and fairness and inclusion.
By signing the pledge, Hull City Council also commits to working with other signatories to share learning and best practice and to regularly share updates on its progress with the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission.
Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council said: “We are proud to make this commitment to the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Action Pledge. The signing of this new pledge builds on the council’s existing commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030. We always will ensure that our actions as a council will take into consideration how we can protect and enhance our local environment, making our city and council more sustainable for the longer term.”
Councillor Julia Conner, portfolio holder for Environment and Climate Change Lead for Hull City Council said: “Signing this important pledge will enable us to further strengthen on our progress against climate change. We have already begun to deliver a number of decarbonisation projects and we will work with people across the city to meet our goals in reducing emissions and making Hull more resilient to the effects of climate change.”
The Yorkshire Leaders Board also threw their support behind the new initiative. The board allows council leaders to discuss and progress matters of common interest, so that councils can respond effectively to current challenges and capitalise on opportunities across the region.
Carl Les and Sir Stephen Houghton CBE, Co-Chairs of the board said: “As active partners of the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission, we fully support this campaign and would encourage all businesses across the region to sign up to the Climate Action Pledge. Whether you’re already forging your own path to net zero or are just beginning to make the transition, please consider joining the movement towards a greener, more prosperous Yorkshire and Humber.”
The Climate Pledge is available for any organisation across the public private and voluntary sector to sign by visiting https://yorksandhumberclimate.org.uk.
The council declared a climate emergency in April 2019 and earlier this year, signed a new statement of the council’s commitment to protecting the environment for future generations.
Hull City Council is also a partner of the Oh Yes! Net Zero campaign, encouraging local businesses and residents to drive down their emissions and take positive action on climate change. To find out more about the campaign, access advice and tips about reducing your carbon footprint and sign up to be part of it visit www.ohyesnetzero.co.uk.
