Plan to reduce emissions by 85 per cent by 2030

Doncaster will aim to deliver an 85 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, a climate committee has ruled.
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Doncaster’s commission on the ‘climate and biodiversity emergency set up by Mayor Ros Jones and chaired by borough MP Ed Miliband, made the recommendations after months of meetings.

The committee was set up following the council declaring a climate emergency last year.

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In a report seen by councillors, the committee also recommends that future energy usage will need to come from renewables and a greater push to encourage more travel in electric vehicles and the use of cycling and walking.

Climate Strike Mps and MayorClimate Strike Mps and Mayor
Climate Strike Mps and Mayor

The committee said the partners need to take advantage of Doncaster’s mainly flat geography in order to encourage more people to cycle as a mode of transportation.

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A ‘need for more woodland, street trees and flower-rich grasslands’ in parks, gardens and the town centre was also noted as a key finding.

The restoration and further protection of Doncaster’s peatland to prevent recent fires on Hatfield Moor was also a key recommendation to stop high levels of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere.

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The recommendations follow on from the announcement Mayor Ros Jones made on the environment back in March.

The council will cease the use of peat and glyphosate products in council parks and gardening services along with the banning of single-use plastics and planting of more trees.

Figures show that 41 per cent of carbon emissions in Doncaster comes from transport, 36 per cent from households, 19 per cent from non-domestic buildings and 14 per cent from industry.

An interim report is said to show the progress the commission has made and is a ‘stepping stone’ to the full climate strategy recommendations due to be published in the Autumn of 2020.

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Doncaster mayor Ros Jones, said: “Climate change is a serious issue that we are determined to address with positive steps that will make a real difference for future generations.

“This initial report shows the great strides we have already made and how committed we are for Doncaster to lead the way on the climate change and biodiversity agenda.

“The final report will set out a clear route for Doncaster to do its bit in safeguarding our planet and help create thriving communities across our borough. Together we can and will make Doncaster a flag-bearer for climate change.”

Ed Miliband, MP for Doncaster North and chair of the commission, said: “Tackling the climate emergency whilst improving the quality of life for all Doncaster residents is our number one priority.

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“I am determined that Doncaster’s Climate Change Commission will help to develop ideas and policies to bring about a rapid green transition that is fair and just.

“This report is about jobs, air quality, and better green spaces. It's about a better life for residents, not just avoiding disaster.

“Climate change matters because of the legacy we will leave to our children and grandchildren, but it also matters because we can create a much better economic future for people across our town by tackling it.”