A Climate Change Strategy & Action Plan for Thanet for 2009 – 2011

Climate Change

The effects of climate change are an internationally recognised problem, which are also experienced at a local level. In the South East of England our climate is expected to change considerably over the next 80 years. Greater seasonal variation in climate and changes in the pattern of extreme events are expected, which would have a significant impact on an area such as Thanet whose economy relies heavily on visitor numbers. Not to mention the potential cost of flooding and hurricane force winds, which are predicted to become more frequent.

Over the course of the last ten to fifteen years a range of targets and frameworks have been set to tackle and reduce the effects of climate change. In England the Government has set a target for the reduction of greenhouse gasses of 60% by 2050 and 80% by 2100. This is expressed as carbon dioxide (CO₂) equivalent emissions, although there are many other ‘greenhouse’ gasses that gather in the atmosphere, affecting the world’s weather patterns. Some of these, such as methane, are released from landfill waste, whereas others are emitted from vehicle exhausts.

Policy Statement

Concern for the environment is a high priority for many communities across Kent. Thanet District Council’s Corporate Plan includes measures intended to protect the environment by minimising our impact on climate change and securing sustainable development in the future.

Reducing carbon emissions is key to minimising the acceleration of climate change, but this strategy covers the whole spectrum of natural resources that the Council and its employees use, including gas, electric, fuel, water and waste disposal; as well as the services which the Council provides that have an impact on local developments.

As a community leader the Council will aim to lead by example by promoting best practice within the Council’s own operations to reduce its carbon emissions and demands on other natural resources. It will work with its communities and partners to promote greater awareness of the implications of climate change; and provide advice and assistance to everyone on sustainable living. By reviewing the services provided by the Council and by working with residents, businesses and visitors to the area, we hope that we can cut down the causes of climate change to bring a better quality of life to communities today and the future.

The Strategy

An approach that focuses on 9 key themes has been developed, which covers all of the significant aspects of council activity that can have an impact on climate change.

Each of these is explained in terms of the impact it has, the progress that the Council has made to date, and the approach it intends to make in the future. The delivery of the overarching strategy is supported by a detailed Climate Change Action Plan, which sets out the key actions that will be taken by the Council.

This covers direct action to reduce emissions and the demand on natural resources, the mechanisms that will be put in place for ongoing monitoring and review, to ensure that it continues to deliver the desired improvements, and the steps the Council will take to influence its communities and other stakeholders.

Since 2007 the Council has had a ‘Going Green Group’, which comprises officers from a wide range of Council services who are tasked with driving forward the actions within the plan.