Just twelve months ago, Hull City Council unanimously declared a climate emergency, with Councillor Mike Thompson stating: “We recognise that climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face and that, as a council, we have an obligation to future generations of Hull residents to do all that we can to reverse and reduce its impact on our city.”
The UK became the first major economy to pass a net zero emissions law in 2019, with a target to be net-zero by 2050. In essence, that means for every tonne of CO2 which is pumped into the atmosphere, a tonne must be taken out.
But in Hull and across the Humber region, councillors and businesses have decided 2050 is not soon enough.
That’s why the Humber region has committed to become net-zero for carbon emissions by 2040 – an entire decade ahead of the rest of the UK – and Hull even earlier, by 2030.
Cllr Thompson said: “Climate change is undoubtedly one of the biggest challenges facing all local authorities and that is why we have committed to taking action to reduce its impact in Hull. We have set ourselves some ambitious targets… but we are confident that we can hit them, with the help of our residents.”
PATT CEO, Dr Andrew Steel said: “We are working in partnership with a number of different organisations engaged with meeting the UK government target of being a carbon neutral nation, as well as helping Hull achieve it’s ambitious aims. The simplest way for residents or businesses to help offset carbon emissions and actively tackle climate change in our region is to help us plant more trees.”
The science is clear: atmospheric Carbon Dioxide levels are above 400 parts per million (ppm), far exceeding the 350 ppm deemed to be a safe level for humanity.
So what can you do to help?
- Continue to reuse and recycle – Hull has one of the highest recycling rates in the country
- Choose alternative transport – cycle, use public transport or car share where possible
- Consider switching to green providers for all household utilities
- Increase tree cover in our city to defend against flooding and fight climate change
If you are a business, small or large, and would like to discuss your carbon options, get in touch: info@pattfoundation.org.uk