What is Portsmouth City Council doing towards net zero as Government relaxes green policies?
For many around the world, climate recovery is a top priority issue. Liz Truss’s government, however, seems willing to relax green policies.
North Sea gas, fracking and the PM’s decision to stop the King attending COP27 all seem to be hindering progress towards a net zero target by 2050.
Recent events have many asking what their local authority is doing to help climate recovery.
Councillor Kimberly Barrett from the Portsmouth City Council said that in 2019 the council declared a “climate emergency” in the city, deciding on a target of net zero by 2030.
She said all council buildings are now powered by solar energy. This is not only climate friendly but brings down energy bills for tenants in social housing.
The council also has a partnership with Switched on Portsmouth, an agency that provides funds for residents to install solar panels, insulation and ground floor heat pumps.
The council is working with other local authorities on the south coast to offer financial support to businesses to reduce their carbon footprint.
Cllr Barrett added: “We are putting a huge emphasis on education.
“We have a duty of care to make sure children know and expect the climate difficulties going forward.”
