Sutton Council declares Climate Change Emergency

The declaration was passed unanimously by councillors at a council meeting in July.  The Council is now developing an action plan in partnership with local businesses, community groups and residents to meet the ambition of the whole of Sutton becoming ‘carbon neutral.’

Sutton has been working to reduce its impact on the environment - reducing its own carbon emissions by almost 40% since 2010 - and was one of the first councils in the country to adopt a ‘One Planet’ approach.  

The Council will be launching its plans for working with residents and partner towards a zero-carbon Sutton at the October meeting of the Environment & Neighbourhood Committee, and will report annually on progress as part of its recently adopted Environment Strategy. 

The Council is also calling on the Government to provide the powers and resources to accelerate its work on becoming carbon neutral, and to take bolder steps nationally and internationally to protect the planet for future generations.

Councillor Manuel Abellan, Chair of Sutton Council’s Environment & Neighbourhoods Committee, said:

“Sutton has always been ambitious about improving the borough’s environment and tackling climate change.

“The evidence of the impact of global warming is now undeniable. We know climate change will impact negatively on Sutton’s residents and economy.  That’s why our new Environment Strategy sets ambitious targets for tackling the impact of climate change locally.  

“All Sutton’s councillors agree that we are now facing a climate emergency and the Council will work with residents, the community and local businesses to ensure we become a carbon neutral borough.  But we cannot do it alone. Government must help councils like Sutton if we are to make a real difference nationally.”