Northumberland County Council is to consider its updated Climate Change Action Plan for 2024 to 2026.
The Council’s Cabinet will be discussing the revised plan which highlights the progress already being made by the Council and sets more ambitious goals to address the pressing issue of climate change and ensure a sustainable future for the county.
As well as a focus on heating, renewable energy, transport, natural carbon absorption and waste, the new plan also explores further greenhouse gas reduction, environmental protection, and climate change adaptation.
New data and developments at a national level mean that the Council is now expanding its work beyond carbon dioxide reduction alone. New initiatives will look at significantly reducing methane and nitrous oxide emissions, both of which are major contributors to the county's greenhouse gas footprint.
The plan is part of an integrated approach being taken by the Council to maintain, protect and enhance Northumberland’s natural environment. This involves equipping front-line services to effectively deal with littering and fly tipping, improve green spaces and water quality and encourage more active and sustainable transport.
A new part of the plan will explore how Northumberland can adapt to the impacts of climate change, including flood mitigation, coastal erosion, wildfires, energy security threats, infectious diseases, and extreme weather events.
The proposed Climate Change Action Plan builds upon its predecessor which ran from 2021 to 2023.