Lib Dems blast Harrogate's record on carbon emissions

In Harrogate district emissions have fallen from 1,140.6 to 1,081.1kt CO2 — not even fast enough to achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2050, say the Lib Dems. Highlighting the need for “bold action”, the Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to grant more powers to local authorities to tackle climate change, and for the districts’ two local authorities to declare a Climate Emergency and commit to net zero carbon by 2030. Coun Pat Marsh, Liberal Democrat Leader on Harrogate Borough Council said: “We’re calling for the Government to give local authorities more powers to take action on carbon emissions. "This means powers to tackle congestion, invest in public transport, insulate our homes, and create new green jobs. “If the Conservatives running our councils are unwilling to take bold action to tackle climate change locally, residents can be sure that Liberal Democrat councillors running them will. “We’ve been fighting to declare a Climate Emergency on Harrogate Borough Council for well over a year but the Conservatives have refused. We need both councils to play their part and commit to working toward net zero carbon by 2030. “Doing this will require courageous measures and bringing the whole community together, something we feel a Citizens’ Assembly — a fully-representative and independent body made up of local residents tasked with researching and agreeing solutions — would be best placed to help do.” Lib Dems on Harrogate's carbon emissions: Harrogate district’s carbon emissions are falling too slowly to even reach net zero carbon by 2050. Liberal Democrats call for more local powers to tackle congestion, invest in public transport, insulate homes, and create green jobs. Lib Dems also call for a declaration of a Climate Emergency locally, committing to net zero carbon by 2030 — Conservatives have refused. 'We can't afford another Leicester' in Harrogate says MP as bars and restaurants reopen A message from the Editor Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you. In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper. Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis. With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.