In June 2019, our Council agreed to declare a climate emergency, recognising that we must urgently respond to climate change and transition to a carbon neutral region.
Our Council now has a clearer understanding of what causes climate change, what needs to be done to address it, and is taking immediate measures to counteract the effects of global warming.
We are committed to:
• encourage understanding of how the way we live and work in the region impacts on climate change;
• empower our communities and stakeholders to make significant changes to reduce emissions and adapt to a low carbon approach;
• lead on the transition to cleaner and greener technologies;
• promote and protect our region’s natural environment; and
• contribute to a greener economy, maximising the region’s green energy potential.
Council departments now have climate change at the heart of their activities and prioritise it when setting policies and practices.
We achieved a Carbon Literacy Bronze Award in September 2020, the first non-metropolitan Scottish local authority to do so. This demonstrates that we’re aware of the carbon dioxide costs and impacts of everyday activities and are motivated and able to reduce emissions.
As we head towards the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, it’s good to see a couple of new initiatives: Dumfries and Galloway College’s climate change action plan and the Queen’s Green Canopy.