Tackling Climate Change

This is an introduction to the issue of Climate Change and what the Council is doing to combat it. It also provides links to the evidence/science and support available so the wider community can also play their part in reducing the impact of climate change and reduce their Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.

What is the Council doing?

Cannock Chase Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019 and set a vision for the District to become carbon neutral by 2030. Local authorities are directly responsible for a small percentage of the carbon dioxide (CO2) produced in their areas, but they nevertheless have an important role to play in encouraging their residents, businesses, and local organisations to achieve zero carbon targets.

The Council’s initial plans for tackling climate change include producing a costed action plan on how to achieve its carbon neutral vision. This Action Plan has now been published and the latest updates on the Council's next steps can be found here. You can downlod a copy of the Costed Action Plan below. 

The Council is also in the process of creating a detailed baseline to assess the District’s current position. According to 2016 data from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Cannock Chase District had the second lowest Carbon Emissions Per Capita (tonnes) in Staffordshire at 4.1. In 2005 it had been 6.3.

The single most significant carbon reduction event in the District in recent times has been the closure of the coal burning Rugeley Power Station in mid-2016. The electrification of the Chase rail line was another contributor to the reduction in CO2. Meanwhile, having the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in the District with its trees and forests helps absorb CO2 and potentially harmful gasses from the air and release oxygen.

Two initiatives in the District directly tackling climate change right now are Zero Carbon Rugeley/SLES (Smart Local Energy System) and Chase Community Solar 

To find out further information about the actions the Council has taken over the last 18 months, read the 'what we have achieved so far' section below. 

Also, find out more about how you can help tackle climate change - one small change could make a BIG difference. Watch a short video to find out how you can help tackle climate change