Hull City Council has identified climate change as a core challenge, setting ambitious targets to reverse its impact.
The local authority declared a climate emergency in March this year and has set a target for the city to become carbon-neutral by 2030.
It comes as World Environment Day, the United Nations initiative dedicated to promoting action to protect the environment, is marked across the globe.
In Hull, a commitment to encouraging sustainability is already under way.
Councillor Mike Thompson, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods, communities and environment, said: “We recognise that climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face and that, as a council, we have an obligation to future generations of Hull residents to do all that we can to reverse and reduce its impact on our city.”
The council has developed a plan with partners and residents to meet its 2030 target, building on a strong base of work including:
- One of the highest recycling rates in the country
- An extensive cycle network with plans to make it even better
- Forming the innovative Living with Water partnership with Yorkshire Water, Environment Agency and East Riding Council, including extensive flood defences on the Humber
- Encouraging bus use through the young people’s KAT card
- Extensive housing renovation and improvement programmes
- Investing in our parks and increasing tree cover in the city
- Investing in electric vehicles and developing the charging infrastructure
Cllr Thompson said: “Climate change is undoubtedly one of the biggest challenge facing all local authorities and that is why we have committed to taking action to reduce its impact in Hull.
“We have set ourselves some ambitious targets, including become carbon-neutral by 2030, but we are confident that we can hit them, with the help of our residents.
“As a council, we are confident we will hit our ambitious targets for the city. But we know we do not have all the answers.”
Anyone with suggestions on further action to tackle climate change can email Hull City Council at climate.change@hullcc.gov.uk
