The impact of human activity on climate is now well documented and evidence based. Rising global temperatures are influencing weather patterns and causing more frequent extreme weather events that continue to have severe impacts on human populations around the world.
In the UK the Met Office has reported that 2024 was the fourth warmest year on record behind 2014, 2022 and 2023. It also reports that the five warmest years on record have occurred in the most recent decade 2014-2024.
Like many parts of the UK, in recent years, Erewash has experienced record-breaking summer temperatures, storms and flood events which have placed great pressure on our communities and natural habitats.
It is against this backdrop that in October 2023 the Council declared a climate and ecological emergency and soon after convened the cross-party Climate Change Action Working Group to ensure progress was made towards achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Read our full Climate Change Strategy
Read our Annual Climate Change Statement
With our new Climate Change Strategy 2025-2030 we aim to:
One: Reduce Council Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Two: Build More Resilient Communities
Three: Adapt Council Services Irreversible Changes in our Natural Environment
The council is committed to making climate change considerations an integral part of its decision making and service delivery. With oversight by the Climate Change Action Working Group this strategy provides context to the council’s ambitions and sets out the priorities and actions needed to make progress on its journey towards net zero.
There are seven key themes that underpin this Strategy:
- Adaptation to Climate Change: Risks, Vulnerabilities & Boroughwide Resilience Planning
- Decarbonisation of Buildings & Energy: Council Assets, Renewable Energy, and Housing Health & Efficiency
- Decarbonisation of Travel & Transport: Council Vehicles, Electric Vehicle Infrastructure, and Active Travel
- Green Space Strategies: Nature Restoration, Green Infrastructure, and Biodiversity Action Planning.
- Business & Community Engagement: Updates, Opportunities & Guidance, Business Support, and Networking
- Environmental Health: Clearing the Air, Reducing our Rubbish, and Community Sharing
- Sustainability through Procurement: Tendering for Environmental, Social & Economic Value, cleaning up the Supply Chain, and Adherence to Reporting & Green Standards.
As we learn more and begin implementing our steps this strategy will evolve and grow.
We encourage feedback and engagement from local businesses and community members - Let's Talk Erewash - Together we can adapt to our changing circumstances and forge a bright future for Erewash.