Climate Change is the greatest environmental challenge facing the world today.  Rising global temperatures have brought about changes in weather patterns and sea levels. Evidence for human-induced climate change is now fully accepted by all countries. The attention of scientists and policy makers has moved away from ‘is it happening?’ to the more urgent agenda of ‘what can be done to reverse the effects?

’Braintree District Council is committed to a cleaner and greener environment, by reducing its carbon footprint and having a clear response to the risks faced by climate change.

In January 2006 Braintree District Council, together with Uttlesford District Council, became the first local authorities in Essex to sign the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change. By signing the Declaration the Council publicly acknowledged that climate change is occurring and that it will have far reaching effects on our district’s economy, local communities and local environment.

There are positive actions that can be implemented to mitigate the extent that the climate changes, as well as adapt our community’s infrastructure and services to the inevitable changes in climate, that are already beginning to occur as the result of greenhouse gas emissions in the recent past.

Climate Change Strategy & Action Plan

<> Sustainable Services will ensure that the Councils assets and operations are able to cope with the impacts of climate change.

<> Using our Regulatory Powers and influence to ensure future development in the district is sustainable and prepared for climate change.