CARBON emissions created by the council in the city have been cut by a quarter, according to the latest figures.

Winchester City Council published its Carbon Footprint Report, which show that the local authority has reduced carbon emissions by 26 per cent within the last year and over 41 per cent over the last 10 years.

Since the announcement of the Climate Emergency in June 2019, the council said it has dedicated resources to making 'positive, sustainable change'.

Winchester City Council’s Carbon Neutrality Action Plan has two targets – to become a carbon neutral council by 2024 and to get the district to meet the same goal by 2030.

The council began assessing its carbon footprint in 2008 and continues to monitor data annually in order to track progress.

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It is also looking to switch to alternative fuel/low carbon energy for buses and looking to lease and purchase electric vehicles and install charging points on-site to transition its fleet.

Cllr Hannah Williams, cabinet member for the climate emergency, said: “It’s excellent to see that our efforts are proving to be making a difference as our Carbon Footprint Report shows we have been reducing our negative impact on the climate crisis since we declared a climate emergency three years ago.

“I’m proud to be continuing the incredible work that was started by my friend and colleague, Cllr Lynda Murphy, who was determined to tackle the climate emergency within our district.

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“However, there’s more work to be done to ensure we meet our goals and prevent the detrimental repercussions we could face if change doesn’t continue to be made.

“Offsetting carbon emissions will help to turn the current global situation around – there is great concern that we are surpassing the 1.5C global temperature increase threshold. Evidence shows that climate change has been exacerbated by our current lifestyles generating too much greenhouse gases, which is warming the global atmosphere. This will continue to get worse if we don’t all take action and we will likely see sea levels rise, flooding, extreme weather changes, and crop growth will be affected.

"That’s why we all look to assess our part to play in the climate emergency and identify ways we can make change.

“We’re excited to reveal what we have in store over the next few years to ensure we and future generations have the best chance possible.”

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Kimberley Barber