Somerset County Council has been ranked as the top performing county council in the UK for tackling climate change.
A study by Climate Emergency UK, reported in The Guardian, puts Somerset ahead of all other county councils, while recognising the Somerset Climate Emergency Strategy, developed in concert with Sedgemoor and the 3 other local District Councils as setting a good example, with schemes including building solar and wind farms on council land, improving public transport and promoting electric cars, as well as supporting and improving local biodiversity - all part of a £1.5m Climate Emergency Fund.
The Guardian article further highlights how Somerset is one of the top recycling counties in the country, with recycling rates over 50%, following a sustained council campaign.
Cllr David Hall, Somerset County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change, says, “We’ve set out ambitious plans to help Somerset become carbon neutral by 2030, and we’re delighted to see this work being recognised nationally.
“We know there is a lot to do and we can’t do it alone, so it is great to see Somerset’s District Councils recognised too.
“Tackling the climate emergency is at the forefront of our decision making at Somerset County Council and we are determined to build on the good work done so far across Somerset.”
