How Harrogate can become a 'net zero' district by 2030 by Zero Carbon Harrogate

We fight on: Harrogate independent traders vow to battle to keep customers during lockdown

Jemima Parker, chair of Zero Carbon Harrogate said: "If we continue to take a business as usual approach to the way we live and work we will breach the 1.5°C limited in global heating that the scientific community has identified as being critical if we are to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

"We must adapt to new ways of living and quickly if we are to realise the very positive future envisaged by Zero Carbon Harrogate in this strategic plan.”

Zero Carbon Harrogate is a voluntary organisation first formed in 2016 to highlight and support changes across the district, to rapidly establish it as a leading low carbon economy.

It is convinced this can only be achieved by our local communities working hand in hand with business and political leaders to implement the actions required.

It believes climate change threatens our way of life like no other global crisis in human experience and urgent action is needed, if we are to put in place the changes required to avoid its worst impacts.

The new ZCH strategic plan aims to brings to life what the future might look like in a carbon neutral district and identifies the ways to achieve it in the short time frame available.

Although Covid-19 has tested our resilience to an ecological disaster of global proportions that has brought tragic outcomes for many and crippled our economy, Zero Carbon Harrogate also argues it has shown us that we are capable of working collaboratively and making personal changes in our lifestyles to control and limit the impact of such a global threat.

It says this year "has given us an insight into the benefits to be gained when those human activities responsible for carbon emissions are limited."

Zero Carbon Harrogate's comprehensive strategy comes at the same time as whole range of environmental groups in the Harrogate district - frustared by what they see as a lack of real action in Harrogate - have decided to work together for change buy forming a joint new group - HDCAN.

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