SOMERSET is set to tackle climate change with a plan to become carbon neutral by 2030.

A draft Climate Emergency Strategy has been released today (October 6).

The plan focuses on transport, built environment, business and industry, natural environment, farming and food, water, waste and communications.

The strategy was released after Somerset County Council (SCC), Mendip District Council (MDC), Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT), Sedgemoor District Council (SDC) and South Somerset District Council (SSDC) declared or recognised ‘climate emergencies’ last year (2019).

More than 5000 people attended the ‘have your say’ drop in events in each district and took part in two surveys (one for 11 to 18-year-olds and one for over 18s) to help shape the draft plan.

“We would like to thank each and every one of you who gave up time to attend the local drop in events and complete the online survey to tell us what environment issues matter most to you,” said the portfolio holders for all five councils.

“Your input has been invaluable in shaping the strategy.

“To reach our goal to be net zero carbon by 2030, we all need to play our part.

“The environment must be at the forefront of every decision we make, both as local councils and in our everyday lives, so that together we can make more sustainable choices across all aspects of life that benefit the environment.”

The strategy is built around three main goals:

• To decarbonize Local Authorities, the wider public sector estates and reduce out carbon footprint

• To work towards making Somerset a carbon neutral county by 2030

• To have a Somerset which is prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of climate change

The coronavirus crisis delayed the plans, which were originally scheduled to be published in April, consulted on in April and May, with the final strategy due for approval in July.

The draft Climate Emergency Strategy can be reviewed here: somerset.gov.uk/climate-emergency

The plans will now go through a formal approval process.

The County Gazette has contacted each of the district councils for comment, as well as Somerset County Council.