Local Climate Change Commission announces net-zero plans

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s Independent Climate Change Commission (CCC) has announced plans to decarbonise agriculture and transport in the region. 

Earlier this week (June 3) MP Julia King, Baroness Brown of Cambridge was appointed the new chair of the CCC. The commission was set up by Mayor James Palmer in November 2019 in a bid to increase work that is already underway to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and protect and improve green spaces in the area.

According to the commission, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough face a unique challenge due to its agricultural economy, with the region facing increased risks around water supply and changing weather patterns, as well as many areas becoming vulnerable to increased flooding.

The authority hopes to provide direct support to agriculture companies to look at new ways of farming and food production.

The authority also hopes to bring forward an extensive system of zero-carbon public transport using electric vehicles in rural and urban areas. They will examine the need for infrastructure for electric vehicles alongside government plans to phase out existing fossil fuel engines.

Any recommendations will be considered by the Combined Authority and its partners to help provide evidence for action on reducing carbon emissions over the next 30 years

Baroness Brown, chair of the Independent Climate Change Commission, said: ‘I am delighted to be chairing this important Commission. Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are well placed to play a leading role in the delivery of policy both to reduce emissions and develop resilience to our changing climate.

‘Our outstanding academics, the practical expertise of our farmers and businesses, and our community’s commitment to a sustainable future are a great basis for an ambitious plan and a practical and pragmatic implementation.

‘I am looking forward to working with local experts and members of the wider community to develop our recommendations to ensure this area can deliver a net-zero future and remain a great, green place to live and work.’

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