Welcome
Welcome to the launch of our climate emergency newsletter. We will be sending you monthly updates about what we are doing to make Wokingham Borough net zero carbon by 2030.
In July 2019, we declared a climate emergency, which commits us to playing as full a role as possible in reducing our carbon footprint to be net zero carbon by 2030.
What this means, is that we will be reducing our carbon emissions where we can and where this isn’t possible, mitigating them through carbon sequestration. This will lead us to being net zero carbon, as we are not releasing more carbon emissions than we are using or absorbing.
In this extended first edition of the newsletter, we will be explaining a bit more about what climate emergency means for Wokingham borough, as well as a look back at some of what we've done so far.
Why are we doing this?
Research has shown that we have a limited window to stop the earth heating by 1.5 degrees and reducing carbon emissions is the way to do it. If we don’t, the results will be catastrophic.
It is predicted that the rise in temperature will lead to more frequent extreme weather events, such as the recent heatwaves in Canada and flooding in Germany. In turn, these will affect many areas of our life, such as:
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Travel disruption
- Loss of housing, business and life from flooding
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Illness and death from heatwaves
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Farming and agriculture
- Changes in climates affecting production of things like beer, wine, chocolate and coffee
What are we doing?
We have developed eight key areas of focus to tackle the climate emergency, spanning everything we do from housing to transport to business to waste collection.
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Reduce carbon dioxide emissions from transport
- Reduce carbon dioxide emissions from homes and business properties
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Generate more renewable energy in the borough
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Create a local plan that specifies net zero construction and infrastructure
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Increase the levels of carbon sequestration in the borough through greening the environment
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Engage with young people and support sustainable schools
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Reduce waste sent to landfill
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Encourage behaviour change
This monthly newsletter will update you on projects and initiatives in the borough, as well as giving information, tips and advice about how you can reduce your own carbon emissions and join us to become net zero carbon by 2030.
What have we done so far?
The council has been busy working towards the climate emergency action plan, which you can view on our website. Here are just a few things that have happened so far.
More than 5,000 students watched the inaugural Youth Climate Conference.
Businesses across the borough were invited to attend the first Climate Conversation held by the council.
A planning application has been submitted for a new solar farm in Barkham.
Plans are underway to plant 250,000 trees to increase carbon sequestration across the borough.
Construction has started on a new park and ride for the borough at Coppid Beech and expansion of the current park and ride in Winnersh.
Recycling has been improved, with green bags to stop recycling being rejected and a pilot rigid plastic scheme.
More sustainable ways of moving round the borough are being explored and built, with residents inputting to a new local cycling and walking infrastructure and the development of greenways.
700 households have already benefitted from the council's Help to Heat scheme, getting free or subsidised home insulation.
Did you know?
25% of waste in the blue bags is food waste?
Could you help us tackle food waste?
We are looking for willing individuals to help us fight food waste and encourage food waste recycling across the borough.
By signing up, you will receive a resource pack with information, guidance and support to have conversations with your family, friends, neighbours and colleagues to encourage them to recycle their food waste.
If you would like to help, we'd love to hear from you at cem@wokingham.gov.uk
What's coming up?
Win £5,000 for your school
Ahead of COP26, the UN Climate Change conference, National Grid is offering seven to 15 year olds the chance to win £5000 for their school and £150 of vouchers for themselves by writing a 200 word piece on 'how you would look after the planet if you were in charge'. Click here for more details and to enter.
Love Parks Week
23 July to 1 August is Love Parks Week and this year the public are being called upon to love parks, protect parks and respect parks. For more more information and how to get involved, see their website and for information on parks and play areas across the borough visit our website.
Cycle to work day
9 August is 'Cycle to work day', so for those of you not working from home, it's an excellent day to celebrate all things cycling.
MyJourney, the council's active travel hub, has plenty of information and support for those wanting to start their cycling journey, as well as for the more seasoned professionals. You can see cycling routes, learn how to maintain your bike and get discounted helmets and accessories.
National Allotments Week: Plotting for the future
9 to 15 August is all about celebrating home grown, with this year's National Allotments Week celebrating the contribution that allotments make to a more sustainable future.
If you are interested in renting your own allotment, please contact your local town or parish council.
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