Learn about
Northumberland net zero>

Learn about what carbon neutral and net zero mean and explore local, national and global impacts.

What does net zero 2040 mean for Northumberland?

New national data and developments are prompting the Council to expand its focus beyond just reducing carbon dioxide. New initiatives aim to cut methane and nitrous oxide emissions, which are both major contributors to the county's greenhouse gas footprint. Everyday activities like driving, heating homes, and manufacturing release greenhouse gases, which are trapped in the atmosphere, causing global warming and climate change. The goal is to make sure the same amount of greenhouse gases we put into the air is taken away or balanced out.

What do we mean by a carbon neutral council?

To become a carbon neutral organisation by 2030, the Council will have to cut the amount of carbon dioxide it produces and increase the amount of carbon it stores in Council-owned land and woodlands. The Council will reach its carbon neutral goal when the same amount of carbon dioxide it puts into the air is taken away or balanced out.

How do we track emissions?

Northumberland County Council uses data from the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) to track emissions at the county level. This data now includes other greenhouse gases like methane and nitrous oxide as well as carbon dioxide.

Read our Action Plan >

Impact of climate change >

Storms, flooding and heatwaves are just some of the climate change effects we have been experiencing in recent years. Northumberland County Council has been working to improve flood defenses and lower the increasing wildfire risk across the county over the past decade, but reducing the effects of global warming is the best option for mitigating risks.

You can find out the impacts of climate change in your local area using this Met Office and BBC tool.

You can explore explore the impact rising sea levels could have on the the county and beyond using this interactive map.

The images below show the damage that has been caused across our county.

Morpeth floods

Damage to nearly 1,000 properties
More than 400 residents evacuated
Over £40 million worth of damage
Flood level reached 3.89 metres, 0.8 metres higher than previous peak of 3.19

Storm Arwen

Northerly winds gusting at over 69mph - highest 98mph at Brizlee Wood
One of the most powerful and damaging winter storms of the latest decade.
Thousands of Northumberland houselholds lost power for several days

Haydon Bridge Wildfires

18 hectares of land burnt
Smoke pollution in surrounding area
Ecological damage

Biodiversity >

The changing climate directly impacts our wildlife which can have a huge impact on population numbers of native species and allow invasive species to gain a foothold. The decline of pollinators has major impacts on our ability to farm and produce food, and rising temperatures create better habitats for some disease carrying insects. The number of ticks in Northumberland is increasing and without cold winters, this will only increase more. Ticks can carry illnesses such as Lyme disease, a bacterial infection which causes a range of health problems for us and our pets.

A global effect>

While most of us are aware of melting ice caps, the impact of climate change runs much deeper, displacing millions and disrupting global trade and food production - effects that reach us all. We are more connected to the rest of the world than ever, and we will continue to be affected by events across the globe as temperatures rise.

Impact inequality>

This interactive map helps convey the unequal contribution and impacts of climate change at a global scale. Selecting different criteria alters the map to give new perspectives on the causes and risks of climate change around the world.

Go to map >