Councils continue to be at the forefront of the national response
to climate change and have been working hard to put plans into
action to help achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 or
sooner.
From waste collection and transport, to electric vehicles
and parks, councils are taking huge steps to cut carbon emissions
and protect our environment.
To mark Earth Day, the Local Government Association, which
represents councils in England and Wales, is highlighting
impressive new statistics that shine a light on the work councils
are doing. They include:
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In 2019/20, councils collected over 15.5 million tonnes
of waste and recycling, reusing or composting – this is
the equivalent to almost 1.2 million double decker
buses;
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Reducing food waste has saved UK citizens over £1 billion
per year compared to 2015 according to a WRAP report
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Councils have installed over 17,000 electric vehicle
charging devices across England - that’s three times
higher than the number of car dealerships in the UK;
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In 2019/20, councils in England spent just under £40
million on defences for flooding;
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Councils are responsible for an estimated 27,000 parks
and green spaces, vital areas in our towns and cities that help
us revitalise and stay healthy;
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Councils spent an average of over £125 on environmental
services per person in 2019/20.
Cllr David Renard, Environment spokesperson for the LGA,
said:
“The climate challenge really does impact every aspect of
our lives and subsequently, every aspect of our local
authorities.
“Councils are working hard towards net zero carbon
emissions. Waste collections are getting increasingly more
efficient and recycling rates over the past decade show that
people really do care. We’ve also seen council investment in
flood defences, electric vehicle infrastructure and parks and
green spaces, which create cleaner air in our communities and
thriving habitats for wildlife.
“There is still a long way to go in our work to protect our
planet, but councils will continue to lead local efforts to
become more environmentally conscious.”
Notes to editor
-
House of
Commons Communities and Local Government Committee Public park
report 2016/17 estimates there to be more than 27,000 parks
in the United Kingdom
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WRAP
found that changing habits and reducing food waste has saved UK
citizens £1 billion a year, with total food waste levels
falling by 480,000 tonnes between 2015 and 2018.
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LG
Inform
