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Nottingham Labour

Deputy Leader sets out aspirations for COP26 ahead of visit to Glasgow

At full council yesterday afternoon, Cllr Longford was asked what she would like to see from COP26 this week and what progress Nottingham has made on its carbon neutral ambition. The question came from Mike Edwards, Councillor for the Meadows.

In response Cllr Sally Longford said “I think we would all agree that the desired outcome for COP would be that agreement is reached to work together internationally to, secure global net-zero by mid-century and keep 1.5 degrees within reach. But we also need to adapt to protect communities and natural habitats, and to mobilise finance, particularly for communities at the greatest threat from the effects of climate change.”

Cllr Sally Longford will be attending COP26 this week as part of the Core Cities delegation, to showcase Nottingham’s response to the climate emergency and learn from cities around the world about what more we can do.

Cllr Longford also updated Full Council on significant progress in Nottingham toward its 2028 carbon neutral goal:

  • City CO2 emissions have reduced by 53% per capita since 2005, the most of any UK core city and
  • 45% of the Council fleet is now ULEV.
  • First in world to use purpose built electric bin wagons and over
  • 14,500 trees have been planted since 2019 with 50,000 by 2023.
  • 130 public EV charging points, with an additional
  • 81 recently installed at new Broadmarsh Car Park.
  • Since 2012, over 7,000 social and private hard-to-heat homes have been insulated and over 4,000 social housing properties now have solar panels.

“However I am far from complacent, there is much to do and we cannot do this on our own.” insisted Cllr Sally Longford.

“We need Government, private investment and other stakeholders to support our vital work. We have already had demonstrator projects in the city, but they need to be scaled up, creating jobs and achieving a just transition to a low carbon economy, where our more deprived communities can benefit from warmer homes, affordable energy and access to clean modes of transport.”

Last Saturday worldwide marches took place to demand international action on climate change. Cllr Longford attended, and spoke at, the event.

“I was honoured to be given the opportunity to lead the march alongside Lilian Greenwood, with a diverse group of people, on Saturday to stand up for Climate Justice and to speak at the rally in the Old Market Square.”

Councillor Longford wrapped up her answer by stating “We need the Government to take action, and truly commit to a net zero-carbon future.”

Information on Nottingham City Council’s Carbon Neutral goal can be found here – https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/media/2619917/2028-carbon-neutral-action-plan-v2-160620.pdf