Purpose

To replace the expiring Climate Change Action
Plan 21021-23 and to set out our intended strategies for reaching
our climate change targets across the next three years and
beyond.

Content

RESOLVED
that Cabinet:
 
1.   
Acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of the
Climate Change Action Plan 2021-23.
 
2.   
Acknowledge and consider the challenges encountered
by the Climate Change Action Plan 2021-23.
 
3.   
Approve the aims of the new Climate Change Action
Plan 2024- 2026 - including the following six aims in
particular:
 
·      
Consideration of climate change mitigation and
adaptation, and the protection and enhancement of the environment,
will be built into an integrated impact assessment process from
2024 onwards. Integrated impact assessments will be required on all
papers being considered at Cabinet.
·      
All executive directors and cabinet members should
complete carbon literacy training by the end of 2025. Additionally,
by the end of 2025, senior staff in teams where climate change
mitigation or adaptation is especially relevant, should have
completed carbon literacy training.
·      
£50,000 per year of revenue funding for the
Climate Change and Environment Fund will continue to be allocated
from within the existing climate change revenue base budget
provision for engagement activity, to maintain support for direct
community climate and environmental action.
·      
The Council’s ‘free tree’
initiative that aims to give away 150,000 free trees between
2020-2030, the equivalent of one tree per household in
Northumberland, will continue during this action plan
period.
·      
In line with its aims to be a net zero organisation
by 2030, commit to investing in renewable energy measures across
the NCC estate when buildings are due for refurbishment and/or
where invest to save business cases can be made.
·      
The Council will produce its first Climate Change
Adaptation Strategy for Northumberland, including a specific
climate change risk assessment for the county by the end of the
2024-25 financial year.