In July 2019, the city council become the first local authority in the Black Country to declare a climate emergency.
As part of the climate emergency, the council has set a target to be net carbon neutral by 2028, ensuring all decisions and budgets are in line with this commitment.
The climate commitment outlines the work that has been undertaken within the council to date, demonstrating how Wolverhampton is becoming a more sustainable, climate friendly city. Recent achievements include:
- established a climate change advisory group and a councillor champion for climate change
- climate change actions were embedded into all council leadership teams
- Wolverhampton has the lowest absolute emissions of CO2 among Black Country Local Authorities (2018 to 2019)
- all council buildings and street lighting within the city are powered by renewable electricity
- the council’s carbon footprint has reduced by 45% between 2012 to 2013 and 2018 to 2019
- six electric vehicle charging points have been installed in the city with more planned for 2020
The city council recognises greater action is necessary and is calling on the public to take part in a consultation on how we can make way for a greener city.
Councillor Ian Brookfield, Leader of City of Wolverhampton Council said: “Climate change endangers our planet, our nation and our city.
“It’s an important and growing priority for all Wulfrunians but especially our younger generations who are key to the future success of our city. They’ve told us that climate change is the single biggest issue for them. It’s time our city listens, learns and acts.
“That’s why we’ve called our strategy ‘Future Generations.’ In it we set out how we will deliver our commitment to make the City of Wolverhampton Council carbon neutral by 2028 and deliver upon the promises we made when we declared a climate emergency at Full Council in 2019.
“We are also committed to leading a whole-city approach and to work with a wide range of partners across the city to safeguard the health, safety and well being of our city and the future generations that will inherit it.”
As part of the Leader’s commitment to address climate change, the city council will also be holding a mini citizens’ assembly next month, made up of a select group of Wolverhampton citizens who will represent a broad and diverse range of views in the city.
Councillor Steve Evans, Cabinet Member for City Environment at City of Wolverhampton Council said: “We are listening to our communities and especially the concerns of the city’s young people who are relying on us to take action to ensure Wolverhampton is a cleaner, greener city for future generations.
“This important commitment means we will continue to proactively make significant changes and work with our partners to make Wolverhampton zero carbon by 2028.”
To view the council’s climate commitment and have your say in the consultation, visit Climate Emergency Consultation.
