West Oxfordshire District Council approves new Climate Change Strategy

Developed following consultation with residents and businesses in 2020 and with the support of a cross-party Climate Action Working Group, the Strategy will provide a broad framework for how the Council’s climate action priorities will be achieved over the next four years.

In response to the climate and ecological crisis, the Strategy sets out five key areas of focus:

• Protecting and restoring natural ecosystems
• Energy
• Active travel and low-carbon transport
• New development standards and
• Education and engagement

These are areas the Council has identified as having the most impact in tackling climate change, reducing C0₂ emissions, increasing sustainability and local resilience, and enhancing the natural environment. 

Presenting the paper, Councillor David Harvey, Cabinet Member for Climate Change at West Oxfordshire District Council, said: 

“Whether at a global or local level, the window of opportunity to make a real and meaningful difference to tackle the climate and ecological emergency is shortening - so we must act. We believe this strategy reflects the urgency of the crisis at hand. 

“While our objectives are bold, we are determined to lead by example and put climate considerations at the heart of all our decision-making processes, policies and plans - not just in the five key areas identified in the Strategy - but through all council functions.

“We would like to thank those residents who took part in our climate survey last year.  Their views have provided us with a strong sense of what is important to those living and working in West Oxfordshire and helped shape our vision and strategic objectives.  We are committed to making change happen, with lasting benefits for future generations.”

The Council declared a climate and ecological emergency in 2019 and pledged to become a carbon-neutral authority by 2030. 

West Oxfordshire District Council will report annually on progress made against the Strategy’s objectives.  A copy of the Climate Change Strategy can be found at: www.westoxon.gov.uk/environment/climate-action/climate-change-strategy.  

Residents wishing to find out more about what the Council is doing to address the climate emergency can subscribe to the Council’s quarterly Climate Action Bulletin: https://www.westoxon.gov.uk/environment/climate-action/climate-action-bulletin/