Aberdeen City Council has added its voice to the growing number of local authorities around the world to have responded to the global climate change and nature loss crises by declaring a climate and nature emergency.
Councillor Ian Yuill, Co-Leader of the Council, said, “Declaring a climate and nature emergency is a symbolic act. Symbolism though does have its place. It emphasises that the City Council is committed to playing a full role in tacking these emergencies – and is stepping up a gear in doing so. These are global emergencies but Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen residents and Aberdeen businesses can all help make a difference.”
At its annual budget setting meeting on 1st March the Council Carbon Budget was approved alongside the annual financial budget. Councillors also agreed a series of multi-year capital investments aligned to progressing net zero and climate resilience, including:
- £35 million extension of the city’s district heating network,
- £20 million fleet replacement programme,
- £2 million for Bridge of Don Household Waste and Recycling Centre,
- £18 million for the Aberdeen Hydrogen Hub,
- £800,000 programme of initiatives in 2023-24 in support of the Council’s Climate Change Plan.
Councillor Ian Yuill added, “The worldwide effects of climate change are having a real impact now and it’s important that we take responsibility as a city for our own impact.
“Tackling climate change and being nature-positive not only affects the environment - it also delivers a variety of benefits including an improved economy, job creation, food security, improved air quality, and security for the future of wildlife.”