From waste collection and transport, to electric vehicles and parks, councils are taking ‘huge steps’ to cut carbon emissions and protect the environment, says the Local Government Association (LGA).
The LGA says 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.
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.
To mark Earth Day yesterday (22 April), the Local Government Association, which represents councils in England and Wales, is highlighting new statistics that shine a light on the work councils are doing.
The LGA says:
- 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.
- Reducing food waste has saved UK citizens over £1 billion per year compared to 2015, according to a WRAP report.
- 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.
- In 2019/20, councils in England spent just under £40 million on defences for flooding.
- 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.
- 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.”
