AN ambitious Strategy guiding the region to a sustainable future
has been formally adopted by York and North Yorkshire Combined
Authority (YNYCA).
The Strategy for a Sustainable Future lays out how the region
could transition to low carbon energy sources and support the
environment, while adapting to the challenges of climate change
and rising energy costs.
It's adoption by the Combined Authority's Cabinet comes after
collaborative development with regional organisations and local
authorities, and an eight-week public consultation.
York and North Yorkshire Mayor, said: "Becoming the
first carbon negative county in England is no mean feat, but it
will bring down bills and make York and North Yorkshire a
cleaner, greener place for everyone.
"This plan sets out how we'll create new community owned energy
infrastructure, better protecting local people from rising prices
and global shocks, bring down our county's emissions, and tackle
climate change to protect and restore the countryside that we're
so proud of."
The document details how York and North Yorkshire could be
England's first carbon negative region by 2040, based on four
strategic pillars. These include securing energy independence
through support for locally-owned, affordable energy sources such
as the potential of natural, underground geothermal heat.
The plan also aims to support the environment by harnessing the
power of nature' to capture carbon, improve biodiversity and
support resilience to flooding, wildfire and water shortages,
through methods such as regenerative agriculture, rewilding and
moorland restoration.
A focus on building the county's climate resilience encourages
adapting communities, economy, and environment to continue to
thrive in the face of climate uncertainty.
Both City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council have been
closely involved in the development of the Strategy, as well as
the region's national parks and organisations committed to the
transition.
Cllr Jenny Kent, Environment and Climate Lead for YNYCA
and Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency at
City of York Council, said: "York and North Yorkshire
have already made strides in reducing emissions and adapting for
the future. Through home insulation programmes, improving the
energy efficiency of council buildings and increasing renewable
generation, we're helping to cut carbon while supporting
communities with rising energy costs.
But as this summer's wildfires and drought show, we need a step
change to ensure our region will flourish, despite extreme
weather.
"We're proud to have helped develop this Strategy alongside
partners to do just that. It sets out a shared plan for a
cleaner, greener and more sustainable future for our communities,
businesses and environment."
North Yorkshire Council's leader, Cllr Carl Les, who is a
member of the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority,
said: We are committed to reducing carbon dioxide
emissions from across our services from lighting streets and
heating leisure centres to collecting waste and carrying out
maintenance of our roads network.
We are doing this by using less energy, delivering services more
efficiently, improving our local areas and protecting the natural
environment, while reducing costs and saving money for our
council taxpayers.
The Strategy for a Sustainable Future is a blueprint for us to
work with our partners and aim for York and North Yorkshire to
become England's first carbon negative region by 2040.
The strategy also details how the county can better reuse
resources, keeping products and materials in use while
eliminating waste and pollution from homes and businesses.
Sue Jefferson, Co-founder and Director of Circular Malton
& Norton, said: "Smart sustainable strategies ensure
social and economic benefits alongside environmental gains.
It has been encouraging to see this mindset taken fully on board
by council and combined authority officers, elected leaders and
the breadth of independent organisations offering input.
The final shape of York & North Yorkshire's Strategy for a
Sustainable Future embraces such thinking so offering real and
relevant opportunities for every resident and business in this
region."
Henrietta Stock, Co-Chair for York Climate
Commission, said: In York, we know that people want a
healthy future, with warm, comfortable homes and clean city air.
As York Climate Commission we therefore welcome the Combined
Authority's commitment to an ambitious and holistic approach to
adapting to the changing climate and transitioning to a low
carbon future.
We were pleased that our members were able to collaborate to help
shape the strategy, ensuring the needs of those who live, work
and visit York are reflected in the region's approach.
YNYCA will now be working with partners to deliver the Strategy
and ensure it is embedded across the region.
