FAQs
What is climate change?
Scientists have proven that greenhouse gases, such as carbon, produced by human activity, like burning fuel, are changing our climate. The world is heating up, and the last decade was the hottest on record. In the UK, temperatures in summer 2023 were higher than 40 degrees in many places which adversely affects people’s health, disrupts transport and causes wildfires.
We are also experiencing more frequent and heavy floods with our region being particularly badly affected. What was once described as ‘a one-in-one-hundred-years flood’ is now happening every few years causing misery and loss of income for people and businesses.
The United Nations Environment Programme(External link) has more information on the science of climate change.
Why has the Combined Authority declared a climate emergency?
The Combined Authority and its partners declared a climate emergency in 2019. By declaring a climate emergency, the Combined Authority has made a commitment to take action on the causes and impacts of climate change – and to be held accountable for its own actions.
What does net zero mean?
Our ambition is to create a net zero West Yorkshire by 2038 at the latest. This means that the amount of carbon and other emissions put into the atmosphere will be equal to those being taken away. In other words, they will cancel each other out. This is also known as carbon neutral.
How will we achieve net zero?
The West Yorkshire Climate and Environment Plan sets out in detail the steps we need to take as a region to reduce our emissions and make the most of the opportunities these changes will present. It includes plans to increase the use of renewable energy, power our public transport by electricity and encourage people to use alternatives to their cars such as walking or cycling.
What is the Government doing about climate change?
The UK has a strong record on taking climate change seriously. It was the first country in the world to create a legally binding national commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions. This states that the UK will achieve net zero by 2050.
Why are you holding this engagement now?
The Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, and the Combined Authority are committed to tackling the climate emergency and protecting the natural environment of our region for future generations. Achieving our ambition of being net zero carbon by 2038 will require everyone to make changes to how they travel, the way they work and how they live their lives. Therefore, it’s vital that we ask people for their opinions now so we ensure the benefits that transitioning to a net zero carbon economy are felt by everyone.