The impact of climate change on the everyday lives of Erewash’s residents is being spelt out by the borough council in its new Climate Change Strategy – as locals face wetter winters and more frequent periods of hot weather during the summer.
The Strategy sets out how the council intends to reduce its own greenhouse gas emissions and build community resilience against the effects of a changing climate.
The authority will have an important part to play in preparing communities and businesses for what lies ahead, according to Erewash’s leader James Dawson.
The borough has increasingly been hit by extreme weather events such as storms and flooding. Cllr Dawson described the challenge of global warming as a “climate and ecological emergency” which is having an impact on weather patterns affecting the UK and locally.
The climate change strategy contains a telling section headed: “Consequences of climate change likely to be observed in Erewash.” The report states:
“At a local level, using forecasts produced by the Met Office, if global temperatures remain within the Paris Agreement target (to limit the global temperature increases to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels) Erewash can expect summer average temperatures to increase between 1.1°C - 2.0°C and winter average temperatures to increase between 0.5°C - 1.3°C.
“Winter rainfall rates are likely to increase by up to 18mm/day. If temperatures increase beyond the Paris Agreement target much higher seasonal temperatures and rainfall figures can be expected. These forecasts are relative to the period 1981-2000.”
Next week will see Cllr Dawson and senior councillors hold a meeting of the Council Executive – where the authority’s new Climate Change Strategy is poised to get the go-ahead. The 4pm meeting is at Ilkeston Town Hall on Tuesday 25 February.
The council aims to be a net zero carbon emitter by 2050. There has already been considerable progress made with total greenhouse emissions reducing by 37 per cent in 2023/24 compared to the baseline year 2017/18.
Cllr Alfrey, who is the Lead Member for Environment and also chairs the council’s Climate Change Action Working Group, stressed:
“Of all the challenges facing humanity climate change presents the greatest risk to our planet’s future. 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.”
Cllr Dawson said: “The publication of a new Climate Change Strategy in 2025 will add further clarity to how the council will seek to progress its net zero carbon ambitions. I am also encouraged by the work being undertaken by the Climate Change Action Working Group.” He went on:
“The council as a place leader has a key role in supporting businesses and local communities become more resilient to the consequences of climate change. It is equally as important for the council to lead by example by taking action to adapt to a changing climate and to reduce its own greenhouse gas emissions. Although the magnitude of the challenge facing the council has not diminished our pathway to net zero carbon is becoming clearer.”
The meeting of the Council Executive will hear how a mission to plant 2,250 new trees across Erewash is set to be completed in March – after the authority secured government money from the Shared Prosperity Fund.
A greener borough is “a vital means of removing atmospheric carbon dioxide”, according to the climate strategy report – which emphasises Erewash’s “diverse natural landscape”. This includes 260 hectares of parks and open spaces, 50 play areas and 12 designated nature reserves.
A new natural haven on the edge of Ilkeston – the Pewit Coronation Meadows Local Nature Reserve – is home to more than 1,500 newly-planted trees and bushes.
Last year saw the council launch a programme of “rewilding” across the borough. The aim is “to promote biodiversity, restore ecosystem health and create more resilient functioning ecosystems”.
A more natural environment can also boost people’s wellbeing by encouraging access to green spaces and helping build a greater affinity with nature.
The council has been working closely with housing providers to ensure new affordable homes in the borough are environmentally friendly. One such 38-home development – at Longmoor Lane in Sandiacre – features solar panels on properties.
Meanwhile the council has been monitoring air pollution at dozens of roadside locations across Erewash. Two more monitors – in Ilkeston and Long Eaton – relay information live to a dashboard that can be accessed via the council’s website. Air quality in the borough is officially rated as good.
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