Declaring a climate and ecological emergency
Declaring a climate and ecological emergency means a council recognises the urgent need to act on climate change and biodiversity crises. It is not just about making a statement, it requires taking real action. In 2019, we declared these emergencies, have been working to reduce our carbon emissions, and helping others in the district do the same.
Many parish councils in South Cambridgeshire have already made similar declarations. Parish/town councils can make a big difference at the local level. This guide provides information and resources on declaring a climate and ecological emergency.
How to declare a climate and ecological emergency
- Make a formal declaration: The parish/town council should officially declare a climate and ecological emergency during a meeting. Use phrases like "declare a climate emergency" and "declare an ecological emergency."
- Set goals: Set target dates for reducing emissions and local climate impacts. Set up a working group to focus on climate issues and report regularly to the parish/town council.
- Plan your actions: Identify what actions will have the most impact and what the community supports the most.
Acting on your Declaration
Once you declare an emergency, it is important to take action. Get advice on actions to take through the:
Actions for parish/town councils
- Calculate your emissions: Start by measuring your carbon emissions to understand your starting point as a parish/town council.
- Save energy: Improve the energy efficiency of community buildings with an energy survey. Switch to green electricity and upgrade to LED lighting. Consider low carbon heating options like infrared panels or heat pumps. Funding is available through the Zero Carbon Communities Grant Scheme. Encourage residents to improve home energy efficiency. Encourage them to access thermal imaging camera loans to find where homes lose heat.
- Use renewable energy: Install solar panels if you have suitable space. You can identify suitable sites for renewable energy projects and build this in to your Neighbourhood Plan.
- Protect biodiversity: Follow the Natural Cambridgeshire's Local Nature Recovery Toolkit. Change mowing routines to support local wildlife. Plant trees and make use of tree planting schemes. Set up bird and bat boxes as part of thinking about nature and biodiversity. Create nature trails for children.
- Grow food: Promote community gardens and allotments. Encourage local food projects and buying locally. Set up a community fridge.
- Promote sustainable travel: Share information on cycle routes and car-sharing. Install bike racks and shelters. For more details see our sustainable travel guide.
- Reduce waste: Minimise waste and recycle correctly. Use reusable items at events. Fix items instead of throwing them away. Visit or start a repair café. See our Waste Less Guide [PDF, 0.1MB] for more details.
- Support climate awareness activities: Host eco-festivals and climate-themed events. Use your website to promote eco-friendly practices.
Churches and religious buildings
Churches can use tools like the collaborative carbon calculator to reduce their carbon footprints. They can also take part in the Eco Church Award scheme for eco-friendly actions.
Collaboration
There are some great ways that you can connect with others to find out more about doing similar projects. You can do this by:
- working with other councils that have declared climate emergencies
- subscribing to the Zero Carbon Communities (ZCC) Newsletter for ideas on actions to take
- attend ZCC Green Connect sessions to learn from others.
For more information, contact us at ZCC@scambs.gov.uk