Cotswold climate and ecological emergencies

Climate emergency

In July 2019 we declared a climate emergency. Our response to this means we have committed to:

making our activities net-zero carbon as soon as possible, aiming for an 80% reduction against a 1990 baseline by 2030, and a 100% reduction by 2045, with no reliance on offsetting or the trading of carbon credits
achieving 100% clean energy use across our full range of functions as soon as possible, and no later than 2030
embedding climate emergency considerations in all work areas, decision-making processes, policies and strategies.
appointing a Climate Emergency Manager
reviewing the Local Plan to ensure it is “green to the core”
reporting on the level of our fossil fuel investment
taking a leadership role on the climate emergency in the Cotswolds
establishing a Climate Change Panel, involving Councillors, residents, young citizens, climate science and solutions experts, businesses and others relevant parties, to help shape and promote the district’s zero-carbon strategy

We have produced a climate emergency strategy which is available to download.

Climate Emergency Strategy 2020 to 2030 - pdf - 2.18 Mb

In July 2020 we declared an ecological emergency and we have produced an ecological action plan.

Ecological Emergency Action Plan - pdf - 1.42 Mb

Our response to this means we have committed to:

putting ecological issues at the heart of our actions for the climate emergency and ensure that opportunities to gain mutual benefits for both the climate and the ecological emergencies are maximised
making sure ecological emergency and nature recovery considerations are included in all our work and decision-making processes, including COVID-19 recovery initiatives
taking a leadership role on the ecological emergency and nature recovery in the Cotswolds
reviewing the adopted Local Plan to ensure that the ecological emergency and nature recovery are strategic priorities
continuing to support the development and implementation of the Gloucestershire Nature Recovery Network and the Gloucestershire Ecosystem Services and Natural Capital Mapping (and the Natural Capital Investment Strategy)
promoting tree and woodland planting and re-wilding in the right places and with the right species to maximise wildlife value, carbon sequestration and other benefits
ensuring that Council-owned land and buildings are managed in a biodiversity-friendly manner
progressing the ongoing green infrastructure (GI) agenda
promoting the creation of new natural green spaces and green links across the district, particularly in partnership with other organisations and local communities