East Suffolk district becomes county's fifth to sign climate pledge
The council will continue to commit to a 2030 Net Zero target for its own emissions
A Suffolk district has become the fifth within the county to sign a climate pledge.
Members of East Suffolk’s cabinet met earlier this week to discuss signing the UK100 climate network pledge.
The group of local council leaders was established to share information on the best approach to climate measures with the goal of rapidly transitioning to Net Zero and Clean Air.
In 2019, all Suffolk authorities declared a climate emergency and, after unanimous support was shown at this week's meeting, East Suffolk became the county’s fifth local authority to join the network.
“Tackling the climate emergency is a big challenge"
Cllr Rachel Smith-Lyte said joining the group was a way for the council to reaffirm its commitment to fight climate change.
She added: “Tackling the climate emergency is a big challenge and it needs us to work together with other local authorities, other organisations, and our communities.
“Being a member of UK100 will help us engage with national politicians and senior officials across Whitehall, amplifying the voice of our communities.”
Joining the network means the council will continue to commit to a 2030 Net Zero target for its own emissions and a 2045 target for areawide emissions.
Councillors pointed out, however, that the council has already committed to stricter targets, aiming for Net Zero across the whole of Suffolk by 2030.
Before yesterday’s decision, Babergh and Mid Suffolk councils were the last to sign the pledge, doing so in September of last year, with Suffolk County Council and West Suffolk Council doing so in 2021 and 2022 respectively.
Ipswich Borough Council is the only Suffolk local authority yet to do so.