A "message of thanks and hope" was sent out by Devon County Council this week reminding us to reflect on the past year, including on Devon’s carbon emissions:
Over the last year real progress has been made to create a roadmap to show the way to a net-zero Devon by 2050 at the latest.
The Devon Climate Emergency Response Group (DCERG) and its appointed group of experts, headed by Professor Devine Wright, have created an interim draft carbon plan. That plan will become the blue-print to show what we must all do - residents, councils, businesses alike - to ensure that Devon reaches its net-zero ambitions.
Since the first lockdown we have been encouraging more walking, cycling, and advising people on how to get around safely while social distancing. Pavements have been widened, new paths created, and roads have narrowed to accommodate greener travel options.
Research last summer showed that Devon's carbon emissions reduced by almost a quarter during the first lockdown.
"We have an opportunity to introduce transformative change, and not just tinker around the edges," said Professor Devine Wright.
Chairman of the DCERG, Dr Phil Norrey said:
"The lockdowns have given a glimpse of how a more sustainable Devon might look, feel and sound.
"There is a huge opportunity to improve our public health, our resilience and our wellbeing, as well as address the climate and ecological emergencies.
"We must be careful not to fall back into the same old routines. We all must think differently about the way we work and the way we travel."
Devon’s carbon emissions have reduced by almost a quarter (23%) during the lockdown‼️
— Devon Climate Emergency (@devonclimate) May 21, 2020
In the most tragic of circumstances, lockdown has given a glimpse of how a more #sustainable Devon might look, feel & sound.
Find out more: https://t.co/eVmjHLjd11#BuildBackBetter 💚 pic.twitter.com/7DU0hWVzoe
So if Devon County Council’s Chief Executive Dr Norrey, Chairman of the Devon Climate Emergency Response Group, warns us not to go back to our old polluting ways, what must be done?
DCERG's draft interim Devon Carbon Plan says transport accounts for 31% of Devon’s greenhouse gas emissions, so "reducing emissions from transport is key to successfully reaching net-zero." How is this to be done? Follow a "hierarchy of action". What's top of the list? "Reduce the need to travel".
Obvious really. Not embarking on needless multi-million mile haulage schemes for new sand and gravel quarries should also be obvious.
