Staffordshire County Council has released a new Climate Change Action Plan, which focuses on reaching net zero emissions by 2050 and preparing for the changing climate. The five-year plan aims to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to the effects of climate change. The plan includes a stronger focus on climate resilience, with a comprehensive risk assessment identifying 55 climate-related risks. The council has made good progress, reducing emissions by 52% since 2019, through initiatives such as using HVO fuel in fleet vehicles and LED lighting upgrades. However, the council recognizes that reducing emissions alone is not enough, and must also prepare for the impacts of climate change on communities, infrastructure, and the natural environment. The plan outlines new actions to enhance climate change resilience within services, including a detailed risk assessment. The plan was approved at the council’s Cabinet meeting on March 19th. The council’s cabinet member for environment, infrastructure, and climate change, Cllr Simon Tagg, emphasized the county’s mission to become sustainable and the importance of preparing for the changing climate.
