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Devon Climate Emergency | December 2025
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There are many actions already taking place across Devon that are successfully reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing resilience and implementing the Devon Carbon Plan and Climate Adaptation Strategy. Here are our picks for the month!
You can see more positive actions and stay updated throughout the month by visiting the Taking Action page on our website.
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South West Water’s trial of artificial intelligence is showing strong results in reducing sewage pollution. Using data from 12,000 sensors, the system predicts blockages before they cause overflows, preventing around 200 pollution incidents so far. AI also speeds up CCTV analysis of wastewater pipes, enabling quicker defect detection and freeing operatives for proactive work.
The initiative is part of SWW’s £760 million Pollution Incident Reduction Plan, aimed at cutting storm overflows and improving environmental performance. In collaboration with the University of Exeter, the project demonstrates how AI can transform water management and help SWW move beyond its current “requires improvement” rating from Ofwat.
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A new project is linking Exeter’s railway stations with the city’s 12-mile Green Circle walking route, making it easier to combine train travel with outdoor recreation. Improved signage and pathways will help residents and visitors choose low-carbon transport while enjoying scenic green spaces.
The initiative supports Exeter’s goals to cut transport emissions and promote active lifestyles. Delivered in partnership with local authorities, transport providers, and community groups, it shows how integrated planning can create practical climate solutions.
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A vibrant mural has been unveiled at Sowton Park and Ride, showcasing themes of biodiversity, clean energy, and community action. Created by local artist Rhys Morgan, the artwork aims to inspire residents and visitors to embrace low-carbon lifestyles and support the transition to net zero.
The mural is part of a wider effort to make public spaces more engaging while promoting sustainable transport. Park and Ride facilities help cut congestion and emissions by encouraging people to leave cars outside the city and use public transport. This project highlights how creativity and community involvement can shape a greener Devon.
 Active Devon has embedded sustainability into its mission by developing a simple, affordable approach to carbon footprinting. Using free resources and an Excel-based calculator, the non-profit avoids costly tools and consultants while focusing on major emission sources like office energy, travel, and procurement. Data is gathered through staff surveys and updated annually, enabling year-on-year comparisons and informed decision-making.
The results feed into a Carbon Reduction Action Plan targeting high-impact areas such as travel and energy efficiency. Staff engagement has driven awareness and behaviour change, while Active Devon shares its methodology across the Active Partnership network. Their approach proves that small organisations can lead on climate action without big budgets by prioritising major emissions, using free resources, and keeping teams involved.
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Devon’s Carbon Footprint 2023 Update
 Emissions By Local Authority (2023)
The latest analysis of Devon’s carbon emissions for 2023 has been published. This data helps us understand where emissions come from and track progress toward our net-zero goals. Explore 2023’s figures to see how activities across Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay contributed to emissions.
Want to cut your carbon footprint? Our Top Tips for Individuals page is packed with practical actions you can take today, whether it’s saving energy at home, reducing travel emissions, or making sustainable choices in your daily life.
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Craft Your Christmas - Exmouth
 A day of creativity and sustainability on Saturday 6th December 10AM - 3PM! Enjoy free activities including lantern-making, bike decorating, baking seasonal treats, crafting decorations, making cards and gift tags, learning fabric wrapping, and swapping Christmas jumpers. Perfect for anyone who wants to celebrate the festive season while reducing waste and supporting a greener Devon.
Reindeer Ride - Torquay
 Pedal through Torquay’s Bay of Lights on a magical evening ride! Join Safe, Sustainable Travel Torbay for a gentle, family-friendly cycle filled with twinkling bikes, jingling bells, and Christmas cheer.
📅 Saturday 6 December, 4:30 pm
📍 Cantina, Torquay
Free antlers and bells when you sign up! Bring your bike, wrap up warm, and add some festive flair.
Unstoppable
 A funny and thought-provoking new play exploring the kind of future we want and how we can shape it. Inspired by climate and systems science, this inventive story follows Ethan and Stella as their friendship sparks questions that ripple across multiple possible futures.
📅 Saturday 6 December, 7:45 pm
📍 Exeter Northcott Theatre
🎟 Tickets: £10
Skills Bootcamp: Future Climate Leaders
 Want to lead the way on climate action? Plymouth University’s Skills Bootcamp offers expert training to help you develop the knowledge and skills needed for a career in sustainability and climate leadership.
📅 Starts January 2026
📍 University of Plymouth
✅ Flexible learning, industry connections, and practical experience.
This is a fantastic opportunity to boost your career and make a real difference.
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The Swire Charitable Trust
The Swire Charitable Trust supports UK registered charities working to create lasting change for vulnerable people, protect the environment, and preserve heritage.
Three funding programmes:
Opportunity: Improving life chances for vulnerable children and young people, ex-service personnel, and victims of slavery and trafficking.
Environment: Supporting UK biodiversity and connecting people to nature.
Heritage: Regeneration through restoration and developing heritage skills.
There is no minimum or maximum grant size, and funding can cover projects or core costs. Applications are accepted at any time, but competition is high.
Innovate UK Made Smarter Innovation
Is your business developing digital technologies to help small manufacturers improve efficiency? Apply for funding through Innovate UK’s Made Smarter Innovation (MSI) programme.
Grants support feasibility studies (£25k–£150k) and industrial research (£200k–£1m) for projects that deliver affordable, scalable digital solutions to boost resource and energy efficiency.
Eligible applicants: UK-registered SMEs or micro-businesses operating as technology developers.
📅 Deadline: 10 December 2025
TechX Clean Energy Accelerator
Clean energy start-ups can apply for the TechX Accelerator, starting February 2026. This 14-week programme offers mentoring, business support, prototype development, and a grant of up to £50,000.
Focus areas include:
- Carbon capture, utilisation & storage
- Renewables & grid
- Hydrogen & alternative fuels
- Industrial decarbonisation
Technologies must have industrial applications and the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
📅 Deadline: 5 January 2026
Social & Affordable Homes
The government has announced the Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP), running from 2026 to 2036 with a £39bn budget (£27.3bn outside London via Homes England).
The programme aims to deliver new affordable housing, with at least 60% for Social Rent, plus Shared Ownership and Affordable Rent. Funding will support:
- New-build homes for rent and ownership
- Specialist housing for older, disabled, or vulnerable people
- Rural homes, estate regeneration, community-led housing
- Repurposing empty homes and traveller pitches
Funding routes:
- Continuous Market Engagement – apply anytime for smaller schemes
- Strategic Partnerships – for large-scale delivery
Eligible applicants include registered providers, local authorities, developers, charities, and community-led organisations. Guidance will be published before the programme opens in February 2026.
Platinum Jubilee Village Halls Fund
Small grants are available for capital improvements to village halls, such as heating upgrades or new kitchens. The fund covers 20% of eligible costs (up to £5,000), but you must have the remaining funding in place and complete your project by 31 March 2026.
Eligible applicants: village halls owned and managed by the community (registered charities), plus multi-purpose church halls or scout/guide buildings where no alternative exists.
Funding is limited.
Have you got an event, opportunity, or story around tackling climate change?
Let us know! For the chance to be featured in our newsletter, email climate@devon.gov.uk
Devon Climate Emergency
County Hall, Topsham Road
Exeter, Devon EX2 4QD
devonclimateemergency.org.uk | Media enquiries | Contact
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