With the ongoing climate emergency, Wakefield is taking a major step forward in pushing carbon emissions to the forefront of the local government agenda.
Wakefield Council is hosting its first Net Zero summit as it continues its aim of reducing carbon emissions across the district, to help address the climate emergency.
‘Wakefield District Partnership For Net Zero’ will take place on 7 March at Tileyard North, Wakefield.
Around 100 people, representing a range of organisations and businesses are expected to attend. LNER, OE Electrics, Enfinium, Ardagh Glass and housebuilders, among them Barratt Homes, Redrow and pure Haus, will be there, along with community groups including Just Transition Wakefield and Wakefield Cycle Forum.
The Council has also announced it has signed the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Action Pledge, one of only a handful of councils to have done so.
Councillor Jack Hemingway, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change, said: “We are already seeing the effects of climate change and we have no time to waste.
“We have set ambitious carbon reduction targets, both for the Council and the district, and we know that to make progress we need to work together.
“I am delighted that this event will bring together businesses, charities and voluntary groups to share ideas, learn from each other and set out how we can work collaboratively on our shared path to net zero.”
Wakefield Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and published its Climate Change Action Plan in 2020, which set a target of becoming a carbon neutral organisation by 2030 and helping the district reach the same goal by 2038.
The Council commissioned an expert report, Pathway To Net Zero, published in 2022, which sets out how the district can reach net zero. The report’s recommendations will be discussed at the summit, followed by targeted workshops focusing on specific sectors.
Organisations attending the event will be encouraged to sign the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Action Pledge, as the Council has done.
The pledge, developed by the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission, is the first regional pledge of its kind in the UK. The aim is to create a movement of organisations who recognise action needs to be taken, to protect the region from climate impacts and unlock the benefits of a green economy.
Those signing the pledge commit to action in four areas:
- Becoming climate resilient
- Reducing carbon emissions
- Enhancing nature and biodiversity
- Ensuring jobs are protected
For more information visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/climate-change.