Towards a Climate Resilient Somerset - Somerset's Climate Emergency Strategy

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Towards a Climate Resilient Somerset - Somerset's Climate Emergency Strategy
Towards a Climate Resilient Somerset
Somerset’s Climate Emergency
Strategy
Towards a Climate Resilient Somerset - Somerset's Climate Emergency Strategy
Foreword
Climate Change, and its impacts on                identify the things we must do now to respond    We have some significant challenges ahead,
the world we live in, is one of the most          to the declared Climate Emergency and the        but with these challenges come some real and
significant issues facing us all today.           further mitigating and adaptive actions we       exciting opportunities which we must seize
The human effects on Global Warming               need to plan for in the medium and longer        for the people and businesses of Somerset.
are well publicised and pressure is               term. However, this is only the beginning of     By tackling the climate crisis and by focusing
mounting for Governments to act.                  our journey. We won’t have got everything        on clean growth and a ‘green economy’ we
                                                  right at the outset and we won’t be able to do   can create a cleaner, healthier environment
As the County Council Member and 4 District       everything at once. There are some difficult     that both accelerates the transition to Net
Council Members with Cabinet responsibilities     decisions for us all to make, some complex       Zero whilst making Somerset’s communities        Cllr. Tom Ronan   Cllr. Janet Keen      Cllr. Clare Paul            Cllr. Peter Pilkington   Cllr. Sarah Dyke
for Climate Change, it gives us great pleasure    issues and challenges to overcome, not least     resilient for future generations.                Mendip District   Sedgemoor             Somerset County             Somerset West &          South Somerset
to introduce our response to this call for        how this is funded, and we need to prioritise                                                     Council           District Council      Council                     Taunton Council          District Council
action - “Towards a Climate Resilient             our activities to ensure we make progress      We have a beautiful County - an outstanding
Somerset”- the Climate Emergency Strategy         against our Goals as quickly as is possible.   environment with an abundance of natural
for Somerset.During 2019, Somerset County                                                        resources at our disposal to help us plan for                           “I don’t think as a human race
Council and the 4 District Councils each          The Strategy therefore seeks to identify the   and mitigate against Climate Change. We                                 that we can be so stupid that
declared or recognised a Climate Emergency        outcomes we all want to achieve and the        need to work with and support our most                                  we can’t face an existential
and agreed to work together with partners to      steps each organisation, individual community vulnerable communities as they will be                                   threat together and find a
produce a Climate Emergency Strategy for the      and household needs to commit to, to work      impacted the most. A low carbon future will                             common humanity and
whole County of Somerset. The ambition was        towards Somerset being carbon neutral by       be hugely positive for Somerset providing
                                                                                                                                                                         solidarity to respond to it.
to produce a Strategy to lead this work for the   2030 and help build our resilience against the a more equitable society who experience
whole County, not just to guide the actions       impacts of Climate Change both now and in      better health and wellbeing, a thriving ‘green’
                                                                                                                                                                         Because we do have the
and investment decisions of each of the Local     the future. Being climate smart with decisions economy and with nature restored.                                       capacity and the means to do
Authorities in Somerset.                          we take now and into the future will help                                                                              it - if we have the political will.”
                                                  ensure that the right actions are taken at the Join us in making this happen.
Tackling the impacts of Climate Change is         right time for the best value.                                                                                                                   Mary Robinson,
not something the Local Authorities can do                                                                                                                                               Former President of Ireland,
alone. It requires the commitment of every        The Strategy has been developed in                                                                                                                 October 2019
organisation, business, community and citizen     consultation with a range of partners, climate
of Somerset and requires, in some cases,          action experts and local interest groups and
fundamental societal change around the way        through engaging with, and listening to, the
we live our lives and the choices we make.        feedback from our communities, both adults
Our Goals are ambitious. We have begun to         and young people.

                                                                                               TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENCE SOMERSET
Towards a Climate Resilient Somerset - Somerset's Climate Emergency Strategy
Executive Summary
Climate Change, and its impacts on the world        The focus of the Strategy                          The Built Environment - where and how            What is Climate Change?                            So why do we need to act?                          Challenges to achieving our Goals
we live in, is one of the most significant          The 5 Local Authorities agreed to work             we live and work, the types of homes we
                                                                                                                                                        The scientific evidence is clear. Concentrations   Urgent action is needed now. If we do not act      The Local Authorities understand that
issues facing us all today. The human effects       together to develop a shared Climate               live in, our commercial and industrial
                                                                                                                                                        of harmful greenhouse gases (mainly carbon         decisively, the impacts of Climate Change          the Goals set are ambitious and will be
on Global Warming are well publicised and           Emergency Strategy for Somerset built around       buildings and what we want for buildings
                                                                                                                                                        dioxide CO2, methane CH4, nitrous oxide N2O,       across Somerset will be considerable. Our          challenging to deliver. The 5 Local Authorities
pressure is mounting for Governments to act.        these 3 Goals:                                     in the future
                                                                                                                                                        ozone O3, chlorofluorocarbons and water            coastal communities and the Somerset               will lead the way by cutting emissions from
In response to the overwhelming evidence,                              GOAL 1                          Our local economy - specifically our 		          vapour) in our atmosphere are increasing           Levels are at high risk from coastal flooding      their own operations and through building
and growing concern from local communities             To decarbonise Local Authorities, the           Business, Industry and Supply Chains             rapidly - carbon dioxide levels are now 40%        as sea level rises. Sedgemoor is named             resilience into service delivery. We will lobby
and residents for urgent, decisive action,             wider public sector estates and reduce                                                           higher than in pre-industrial times and greater    the 3rd most vulnerable area in the UK in a        the UK Government for policy changes
each of the 5 Somerset Councils has passed                      our carbon footprint                   Our Natural Environment - how we can             than any time in the past 800,000 years.           recent Government report. Significant sea          and further funding, and work with other
resolutions declaring or recognising a Climate                                                         protect it and utilise it to reduce the 		       Human activities, such as burning fossil           level rise and extreme weather events will         organisations across Somerset to drive
Emergency. Each declaration aspires to:                                GOAL 2                          harmful impacts of Climate Change                fuels for power generation and heating, are        result in flooding, damage to properties, the      change. We know that the reach, funding and
    A Carbon Neutral Somerset by 2030                    To work towards making Somerset                                                                contributing significantly to Climate Change,      destruction of transport infrastructure and        resources of Local Authorities are limited.
l
                                                                                                       Our Farming & Food - what, where and
    Building our resilience for, or adapting to,          a Carbon Neutral County by 2030                                                               releasing millions of tonnes of additional         interruption to power and communications
l                                                                                                      how we produce our food and crops, vital
    the impacts of a changing climate                                                                                                                   greenhouse gases into our atmosphere,              networks. Heatwaves and droughts bring             If we are to reach our Goals, we will need
                                                                                                       to the rural economy of Somerset
                                                                                                                                                        causing average global temperatures to rise at     water shortages and will reduce our water          support and ‘buy in’ to our vision from
This Strategy - ‘Towards a Climate Resilient                           GOAL 3                                                                           an alarming rate.                                  quality, posing significant human health risks     every organisation, business and resident
                                                                                                       Our Water resources - how they are
Somerset’ - is Somerset’s response to the               To have a Somerset which is prepared           managed to minimise the impacts of                                                                  to the vulnerable, impacting on agricultural       of Somerset. The decisions we each take,
Climate Emergency declarations. Led by                    for, and resilient to, the impacts of        flooding and drought on our residents,           Somerset’s emissions                               productivity, causing damage to soils,             and the everyday choices we make, will
Somerset’s 5 Local Authorities, with support                        Climate Change                     buildings and landscapes                                                                            reducing biodiversity and habitat, with the loss   ultimately have the biggest impact. To deliver
and guidance from a range of organisations                                                                                                              Although UK carbon emissions have been
                                                                                                                                                                                                           of many native species. It is well understood      fundamental and lasting changes, we must
and individuals with sector expertise, the                                                             The management of our Waste & Resources          reducing since 1990 levels, they are not
                                                    Work began to understand where Somerset’s                                                                                                              that the economic and health benefits of           encourage, empower and enable our residents
Strategy serves as:                                                                                    - how we handle and treat our waste              reducing quickly enough. The latest carbon
                                                    carbon emissions are generated, identifying 9                                                                                                          acting on Climate Change outweighs the             to take personal decisions that reduce their
                                                                                                                                                        emissions data estimates indicate in
                                                    sectors which have a major impact upon our                                                                                                             costs, especially with a future of clean           own carbon footprints and help us meet our
1   An evidence base, setting out how our                                                              How we Communicate and Engage - with             2018, a total of 3,269 ktCO2 (kilotonnes of
                                                    ambition to become a carbon neutral County                                                                                                             growth, high quality employment in the ‘green’     goals.
    climate is changing and the challenges                                                             Somerset’s citizens to enable us all to make     carbon dioxide) were emitted in Somerset
                                                    by 2030. These 9 sectors are:                                                                                                                          economy, low carbon transport and better
    and opportunities we face                                                                          life choices which reduce our impact on          from industrial, agricultural, domestic and
                                                                                                                                                                                                           health and wellbeing.                              Covid 19, clean growth and ’green’ recovery
                                                       The Energy we use, the emissions 		             the environment locally, nationally & globally   transport-related sources, with the largest
2   A policy document, outlining our goals
                                                       produced from its use and the types of                                                           amount of carbon emitted by the transport                                                             Whilst this Strategy was being written, the
    and ambitions for tackling Climate
                                                       energy we will look to harness in future     Specialists led work on each of the 9 sectors,      sector (46%), followed by industrial processes                                                        Covid-19 pandemic changed our lives, causing
    Change here in Somerset, and
                                                                                                    analysing and prioritising current and future       (25.3%), the domestic sector (24%) and                                                                devastating effects on human health and the
    A high level action plan, setting out the          Our Transport networks - when and            issues, considering local and UK Government         agriculture and land use (4.7%).                                                                      economy. Due to the extensive lockdowns
3
    critical actions needed to deliver our goals,      where we travel, and the means we            policy implications, and identifying a series of                                                                                                          and reduction in economic activity, there was
    enabling us all to adapt and thrive in the         choose to make these journeys                actions needed to minimise emissions and
    future.                                                                                         build resilience within each area of work.
Towards a Climate Resilient Somerset - Somerset's Climate Emergency Strategy
Contents
a significant, albeit temporary, fall in global     Sector summaries and outcomes                     Communication and engagement                      SECTION   TITLE                                                  PAGE NO.
greenhouse gas emissions. But this effect is                                                                                                              01      Introduction: ‘Towards a Climate Resilient Somerset’     1
                                                    A summary of findings from each of the 9          An essential element to support the aims
only temporary. Carbon emissions must be
                                                    sectors is presented in Chapter 7, setting out    of this Strategy will be a comprehensive           1.1      About this Strategy                                      1
cut consistently, year after year, to halt global
                                                    the main outcomes needed to tackle Climate        communications and engagement plan to aid          1.2      Why has this Strategy been developed?                    1
warming.
                                                    Change and meet our Goals along with the          the discussion about the Climate Emergency
                                                                                                                                                         1.3      Scope and guiding principles                             3
                                                    main opportunities and challenges each            and encourage our residents, communities
As we recover from the pandemic, and
                                                    sector faces. A detailed report for each sector   and businesses to support the Strategy and         1.4      Prioritisation                                           3
face a new ‘normal’, we must seize the
                                                    is available in the Appendices.                   take affirmative action to tackle Climate           02      Focusing the Strategy: Our approach                      4
opportunity to make the Covid-19 recovery
                                                                                                      Change.
a defining moment in tackling the climate                                                                                                                2.1      Climate Emergency Framework                              4
                                                    Action Plan, monitoring and review
crisis, strengthening our resilience to Climate
                                                                                                      Summary                                            2.2      Climate Emergency Strategy                               4
Change impacts, whilst driving new economic         From the 63 outcomes identified, a series
activity. A ‘green’ recovery shifting away          of actions have been developed into a high-                                                          2.3      The 9 key thematic sectors                               5
                                                                                                      We urgently need to take action to tackle
from polluting, carbon based, fossil fuels can      level Action Plan. The Plan outlines what         the Climate Emergency. This Strategy is the        2.4      Climate Emergency Action Plan                            6
create a cleaner, healthier environment whilst      actions are needed, who will deliver them,        beginning of our journey. We all face difficult     03      So What is Climate Change?                               7
investments in low-carbon, climate-resilient        how much it will cost where that is known,        decisions and have many challenges to
industries can create jobs and stimulate            and what funding is available, or required. The                                                      3.1      How fast are temperatures rising?                        7
                                                                                                      overcome, but by working together we can
economic recovery. In Somerset, Hinkley Point       Actions will be dynamic and flexible in nature,   make significant progress to deliver our Goals     3.2      Emissions by sector                                      8
C and the Gravity Campus in Sedgemoor are           continuously adapting to the most up-to-date      for a brighter future.                             3.2.1    Global emissions                                         9
UK-wide leading examples of how clean, low          evidence, methodologies, funding sources,
carbon growth can and will create high value        emerging innovation and ideas. The Action                                                            3.2.2    UK emissions                                             10
jobs, benefit the local supply chain and help       Plan will be reviewed regularly and reported                                                         3.2.3    Somerset emissions                                       11
deliver a ‘Net Zero’ future.                        on.                                                                                                  3.3      Emissions from what is consumed within Somerset          15
                                                                                                                                                         3.4      Why is it impor tant to act?                             16
                                                                                                                                                         3.4.1    The global response                                      16
                                                                                                                                                         3.4.2    The UK response                                          16
                                                                                                                                                         3.5      What are the impacts of Climate Change?                  17
                                                                                                                                                         3.5.1    Global impacts                                           17
                                                                                                                                                         3.5.2    Summary of expected local impacts of Climate Change      19
                                                                                                                                                         3.6      The co-benefits of acting on Climate Change              21
Towards a Climate Resilient Somerset - Somerset's Climate Emergency Strategy
SECTION   TITLE                                                                  PAGE NO.                 SECTION   TITLE                                                                  PAGE NO.
                                                                                                           7.7      Water Sector Summary                                                      65
  04      Our Goals                                                                 23
                                                                                                           7.8      Waste and Resources Sector Summary                                        68
 4.1      Goal 1: To decarbonise the Local Authority and public sector estates      23
		        and reduce our carbon footprint                                                                  7.9      Communications Sector Summary                                             75
  4.2     Goal 2: To work towards making Somerset carbon neutral by 2030            23                      08      Turning Strategy into Delivery                                            81
 4.3      Goal 3: Have a Somerset which is prepared for, and resilient to,          23                      8.1     Climate Emergency Action Plan                                             81
		        the impacts of Climate Change                                                                     8.2     Work with communities                                                     82
  05      Challenges to achieving these Goals                                       26                      8.3     Lobbying of the UK Government and ‘big asks’                              82
  5.1     The Local Authorities’ role                                               26                      09      Measurement, Monitoring and Review                                        91
  5.2     Transpor t                                                                26                      9.1     Prioritisation of actions                                                 83
  5.3     Low carbon energy                                                         27                      9.2     Somerset CAN Measurement Tool review                                      83
  5.4     Funding                                                                   27                      9.3     Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC) analyses                             84

  5.5     Skills, knowledge and innovation                                          27                      9.4     Monitoring and review                                                     85
                                                                                                            9.5     Communications and engagement plan                                        86
  5.6     Everybody must play their part                                            28
                                                                                                            10      Summary                                                                   87
  06      Covid-19 and the opportunities from a ‘green recovery’                    29
                                                                                                            11      Glossary of terms: an explanation of the terms used in this document      88
  6.1     Build Back Better                                                         30
                                                                                                            12      Climate Emergency Strategy acknowledgements                               92
  6.2     Risks to Net Zero and Build Back Better                                   30
                                                                                                            13      Appendices                                                                95
  07      Thematic Sector Summaries and Strategy Outcomes                           32
                                                                                                            14      References                                                                96
 7.1      Energy Sector Summary                                                     33
 7.2      Transport Sector Summary                                                  42
 7.3      Built Environment Sector Summary                                          47
 7.4      Business, Industry and Supply Chains Sector Summary                       51
 7.5      Natural Environment Sector Summary                                        56
 7.6      Farming and Food Sector Summary                                           61
Towards a Climate Resilient Somerset - Somerset's Climate Emergency Strategy
1
                                                                                                                                                                                                             The Strategy addresses
SECTION               1.1 About this Strategy                              1.2 Why has this Strategy been developed?

                      This Strategy ‘Towards a Climate Resilient           Human activities have already contributed to a         To achieve these aims, the 5 Somerset Local                           The Definition of Carbon Neutrality
                      Somerset’ is our collective response to the          1°C rise in global average temperature above pre-      Authorities agreed to work together to develop
                      Climate Emergency being declared all around          industrial levels which has had a significant impact   and deliver a Climate Emergency Strategy for     The Councils have agreed upon the following definition of carbon neutrality:
                      the world. It sets out the evidence of how our       on the human and natural world. The science on         Somerset.                                        ‘Carbon neutrality (having a Net Zero carbon footprint) refers to achieving Net
                      climate is changing, the impacts it will have at a   the Climate Emergency is clear, we need urgent                                                          Zero carbon emissions by minimising CO2 emissions and by balancing the
                      global, national and local level and outlines the    action now to reduce our global carbon emissions       Building Climate Resilience                      remaining amount of carbon released with an equivalent amount sequestered
                      many challenges we face, and the measures and        to keep any global temperature rise below 1.5°C to                                                      or offset’
                      opportunities we must take here in the County        prevent disastrous consequences.
                      of Somerset to enable us all to adapt and thrive                                                                                                                                           Climate Mitigation
                      in the future.                                       In response to the overwhelming evidence and
                                                                           growing concern from local communities and                                                              These are the actions we can take to minimise or cease harmful emissions
                                        The Strategy                       residents for urgent, decisive action, each of the                                                      caused by human behaviour which damage our environment
                                                                           5 Somerset Councils (Mendip District Council,
Introduction:                outlines 3 ambitious Goals which set          Sedgemoor District Council, Somerset County                                                                                           Climate Adaptation
                               out “what we want to achieve?”              Council, Somerset West and Taunton District
‘Towards a Climate                                                         Council and South Somerset District Council)                                                            This is adapting how and where we live to the actual or expected impacts of
Resilient Somerset’            details outcomes and objectives
                                  needed to meet these Goals
                                                                           passed resolutions which declared or recognised
                                                                           a Climate Emergency (see Appendix 1).
                                                                                                                                                                                   Climate Change and extreme weather events

                              “how will Somerset be different as
                              a result of our collective actions?”                                                                                                                                       Carbon Sequestration & Storage
                                                                           Each declaration, although slightly different,
                                                                           aspired to work towards:                                                                                This is how we can utilise technology and our natural resources to help
                           explains what actions to take to achieve        l A Carbon Neutral Somerset by 2030                                                                     capture atmospheric carbon dioxide or other forms of carbon and store them
                           these outcomes “what we need to do?”                                                                                                                    long-term to either mitigate or defer global warming
                                                                           l Building our resilience for, or adapting to,         Source: https://www.calgary.ca
                                                                             the impacts of a changing climate
                          identifies organisations and individuals to
                            lead these actions “who will do what?”                                                                                                                                               Carbon Offsetting

                           provides indicative timescales for these                                                                                                                This is buying carbon credits equivalent to the amount of carbon you emit
                           actions need to be delivered ‘’by when?’’                                                                                                               to ensure your overall impact on the environment is ‘Net Zero’. This can be
                                                                                                                                                                                   helpful in tackling emissions which are difficult to prevent or expensive to cut.
                                                                                                                                                                                   However, buying carbon credits is controversial as it utilises economic power
                                                                                                                                                                                   (money) to buy a way out of having to act on reducing your emissions and
                                                                                                                                                                                   avoiding taking direct responsibility for your actions.

                                                               TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENCE SOMERSET PAGE 1                                                                                                                                                            PAGE 2
Towards a Climate Resilient Somerset - Somerset's Climate Emergency Strategy
2
1.3 Scope and guiding principles                                                                            1.4 Prioritisation
                                                                                                                                                                  SECTION                                                                       2.1 Climate Emergency Framework

This ambitious County-wide Strategy, although         The Strategy demonstrates Somerset’s                  In developing this Strategy, each course of action                             The Somerset Councils’ Climate Emergency             The first step on the road to carbon neutrality
led by Somerset’s 5 Local Authorities, requires the   commitment to the UK Government’s 2050 target         has been reviewed to reduce any risk that it might                             Declarations set out shared ambitions to deliver:    was to engage the people, communities and
commitment from every organisation, business,         of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to ‘Net          create unintended consequences, that’s to say, by                              l A Carbon Neutral Somerset by 2030                  businesses of Somerset in a discussion about
community and resident of Somerset if we are to       Zero’ and supports the UK’s 2015 Paris Agreement      fixing one problem, we don’t unintentionally cause                             l Building our resilience for, or adapting to,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Climate Change.
achieve our goal of becoming a climate neutral        pledge to keep global temperatures below 2°C          a problem elsewhere.                                                             the impacts of a changing climate’
county by 2030 and building our resilience to the     by 2050.                                                                                                                                                                                  A high-level Climate Emergency Framework
impacts of Climate Change over the forthcoming                                                              We are responding to a ‘Climate Emergency’                                     The 5 Councils agreed to work together to tackle     document was produced, setting the context,
years for a better, brighter future.                  Following the publication of this Strategy, we will   and know our residents and communities are                                     the Climate Emergency and develop a shared           identifying the sources of emissions and scoping
                                                      also take the opportunity to develop numerous         eager to see actions on the ground. We have                                    Strategy for Somerset built around these 3 Goals.    out the potential workstreams for action. This was
The Strategy follows the ‘One Planet Living           “Big Asks” of Government and actively lobby for       exercised caution in focusing on “Quick Wins” or                                                                                    released for a wide online public consultation in
Principles’1 which take a holistic approach to        the necessary amendments to legislation and           undertaking activities that could be seen as simply                                                                                 Spring 2020. The feedback from the consultation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                GOAL 1
sustainability and focuses on how we all live         for funding to enable Somerset to deliver on its      “Greenwashing.” Instead, the outcomes and                                                                                           helped frame the Climate Emergency Strategy at a
our lives - going beyond cutting carbon and           Climate Emergency Goals.                              actions are based on the best available knowledge,                             To decarbonise Local Authorities, the wider public   local level and identified what residents see as the
conservation to enhancing wellbeing, building                                                               evidence of need, and impact they will have in        Focusing the Strategy:    sector estates and reduce our carbon footprint      priorities for action for Councils, communities and
better communities and businesses, promoting                                                                cutting emissions and/or building resilience.                                                                                       individuals. A full report on the public consultation
sustainable consumption and production and the                                                              They will be prioritised to ensure any investment
                                                                                                                                                                  Our approach                                                                  is available in Appendix 3.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                GOAL 2
need for socially sustainable procurement as well                                                           makes the biggest contribution to achieving the
as a move towards a circular economy.                                                                       Goals of this Strategy.                                                           To work towards making Somerset a Carbon          2.2 Climate Emergency Strategy
                                                                                                                                                                                                        Neutral County by 2030
The journey will undoubtedly require overcoming                                                                                                                                                                                                 Following the consultation, work began shaping
a series of challenges that require legislative                                                                                                                                                                                                 the Strategy based on the feedback received and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                GOAL 3
changes at both national and local levels and clear                                                                                                                                                                                             analysis of the changes required for Somerset to
funding mechanisms to implement the extensive                                                                                                                                                To have a Somerset which is prepared for, and      become carbon neutral and increase our resilience
changes needed. Only through this shared                                                                                                                                                       resilient to, the impacts of Climate Change      to the risks posed by Climate Change at a local level.
commitment and a sharp focus on the actions
needed to meet our Goals will we be able to deliver                                                                                                                                                                                             To utilise the expertise available within the County,
transformational, sustainable and long-lasting                                                                                                                                                                                                   a wide range of partners with sector expertise
change to benefit our County.                                                                                                                                                                                                                   were invited to inform and lead several workstreams
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                within the Strategy along with input and review
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                from a range of key organisations with Climate
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Change and sustainability sector intelligence.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                To ensure the approach taken was on a sound
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                scientific basis, further guidance was also taken
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                from academics at Exeter University.
                                                                                                TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENCE SOMERSET PAGE 3                                                                                                                                                 PAGE 4
Towards a Climate Resilient Somerset - Somerset's Climate Emergency Strategy
2.3 The 9 key thematic sectors                                                                             2.4 Climate Emergency Action Plan

The Strategy identifies 9 key sectors responsible     The 9 sectors, or themes, identified within the      The sector lead and relevant experts developed        From the objectives and outcomes listed, a high-        These plans compliment the Climate Emergency
for the majority of carbon emissions released         Strategy are:                                        each chapter by:                                      level Action Plan has been created setting out a        Action Plan, focusing on actions needed within
across Somerset, action on which will have a                                                                                                                     list of actions that are needed to start us on the      each administrative area, detailing how and when
                                                         The Energy we use, the emissions produced         l   analysing the current and future issues faced     journey to carbon neutrality. See Appendix 16           projects will be delivered and funded in response
major impact on our journey to carbon neutrality         from its use and the types of energy we will          by their specialist sector                                                                                to area-specific issues. Again, these plans will
by 2030.                                                 look to harness in future                         l   considering the national and local policy 		      Some of these actions have been costed, key leads       be dynamic and flexible in nature, continuously
The Strategy also outlines a wide range of               Our Transportnetworks - when and where                context affecting or impacting the sector         identified and timescales for delivery set, whilst      adapting to the most up-to-date evidence,
objectives and outcomes that each sector will            we travel, and the means we choose to             l   researching and prioritising the key issues       other actions require further work, more detailed       methodologies, funding sources, emerging
need to deliver in order to cut emissions and            make these journeys                                                                                     feasibility studies, wider consultation with the        innovation and ideas. Links to each of the County
                                                                                                           l   developing a range of climate mitigation and
to adapt and build our County’s resilience to                                                                                                                    public and project funding identified. The Action       and District environmental plans are shown in
                                                                                                               adaptation responses
                                                         The Built Environment - where and how we                                                                Plan is a ‘live’ document which will be reviewed        Appendix 4.
the adverse impacts of Climate Change in the                                                                   where possible, identifying and evaluating
                                                         live and work, the types of homes we live in,     l
                                                                                                                                                                 and updated regularly to monitor progress, new
immediate, medium and longer term.                                                                             the costs, benefits and timescales of the
                                                         our commercial and industrial buildings and                                                             technologies and innovations, national and local
                                                         what we want for buildings in the future              actions needed to meet the Goals                  policy, legislation change, and funding streams as
The aim is for the Strategy to be ratified and                                                             l   working together with other sector teams on       they become available or cease.
formally adopted by all 5 of Somerset’s Local            Our local economy - specifically our                  cross-cutting issues and avoiding any
Authorities by the end of 2020. It is hoped that         Business, Industry and Supply Chains                  unintended secondary consequences from            As this is a Somerset-wide Strategy, the range
other key organisations and communities across
                                                         Our Natural Environment - how we can protect          the actions listed                                of actions listed will need collaboration from
Somerset will endorse and adopt the Strategy
and its recommendations and use it as a guide            it and utilise it to reduce the harmful impacts                                                         businesses, communities and individuals from
                                                         of Climate Change                                 By following this approach, the findings of each      both within, and outside, the County.
or ‘route map’ to prioritise action, activities and
                                                                                                           sector are based on the latest research, evidence
investment at community, organisational and              Our Farming & Food - what, where and how          and thinking from a wide range of individuals,        In addition to the actions listed in the Action Plan,
individual level.                                        we produce our food and crops, vital to the       interest groups, specialists and organisations.       the County Council, District Councils and other
                                                         rural economy of Somerset                         In addition, because there are potential health and   partners will produce, or have already produced,
                                                                                                           wellbeing implications from the impacts of Climate    their own bespoke Environmental or Carbon
                                                         Our Water resources - how they are managed
                                                                                                           Change within all sectors, public health experts      Management plans to deliver significant cuts in
                                                         to minimise the impacts of flooding and
                                                                                                           reviewed and contributed to each of the thematic      emissions from their own estates and operations,
                                                         drought on our residents, buildings and
                                                                                                           sections of the Strategy. A summary of the            and to build resilience into future service delivery,
                                                         landscapes
                                                                                                           findings from each Sector is provided in Section      estates and assets.
                                                         The management of our Waste & Resources           7 of this Strategy. The full detailed report from
                                                         - how we handle and treat our waste               each workstream is available in Appendices 6-14.
                                                                                                           A complete table of all the outcomes derived
                                                         How we Communicate and Engage - with              from all sectors is presented in Appendix 15.
                                                         Somerset’s citizens to enable us all to make
                                                         life choices which reduce our impact on the
                                                         environment locally, nationally and globally
                                                                                               TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENCE SOMERSET PAGE 5                                                                                                                                  PAGE 6
Towards a Climate Resilient Somerset - Somerset's Climate Emergency Strategy
3
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                8%
                                                                                                                                                                                                       3%                        Other                                 30%
SECTION           Climate Change refers to a large scale, long
                                                                        3.1 How fast are temperatures rising?
                                                                        Since the industrial revolution, the earth`s average
                                                                                                                               3.2 Emissions by sector
                                                                                                                               3.2.1 Global emissions
                                                                                                                                                                                                          Waste
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Electricity and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Heat Production
                  term shift in the earth`s weather patterns            temperature has risen by 1°C, a very rapid change      In 2017, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
                  and average temperatures which is driven by           in terms of our global climate system. Also, the       Change (IPCC) estimated that the total annual             5%
                  increased concentrations of greenhouse gases          world is not warming evenly, so the temperature        greenhouse gas emissions, including from
                                                                                                                                                                                         Buildings
                  in our atmosphere. The ‘greenhouse effect’ is         increase is higher in some parts of the world.         land-use change, reached a record high of 53.5
                  a naturally occurring process by which carbon         The UK Met Office stated that as of 2018, the 20       (Gigatonne’s) GtCO2e. These emission estimates
                  dioxide, water vapour, methane, ozone and             warmest years on record globally had occurred in       can be broken down by the economic activities
                  nitrous oxide form a blanket around the earth         the past 22 years3. This warming is shown on the       that lead to their production as shown here.
                  in our upper atmosphere. This traps heat from         graph below.
                  the sun, preventing it from radiating back out to                                                            Electricity and Heat Production (30%)
                  space, thereby regulating our climate. Since the      Most of these anthropogenic emissions will             The burning of coal, natural gas, and oil for
                  mid-1800’s Industrial Revolution, humans have,        remain in the atmosphere for centuries and             electricity and heat is the largest single source of
                  by using fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil for   continue to cause long term changes to our             global greenhouse gas emissions.
So what is        heat and power generation, released millions of
                  tonnes of additional greenhouse gases such as
                                                                        climate system. Also, as the earth warms, the
                                                                        speed at which further warming occurs increases        Industry (18%) primarily from fossil fuels burned
Climate Change?   carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide into        and we become more at risk of reaching a ‘tipping      on site at facilities for energy. This sector also
                  the atmosphere, enhancing the greenhouse effect       point’ whereby large and abrupt changes occur,         includes emissions from industrial processes
                  causing the temperature of the earth to rise.         such as arctic permafrost thawing rapidly or the       such as chemical, metallurgical and mineral
                  Carbon dioxide levels are now 40% higher than         Greenland ice sheet melting away causing extreme       processing and waste management activities.
                  pre-industrial times and greater than any time in     and catastrophic events.                               (Note: Emissions from industrial electricity use are
                  the past 800,000 years.                                                                                      excluded and are instead covered in the Electricity    18%
                                                                                                                               and Heat Production sector).
                  Greenhouse gases are measured in carbon dioxide                                                                                                                     Transportation
                  equivalents (CO2e), this allows the various global                                                           Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use (18%)
                  warming potentials of each types of gas to be                                                                mostly from agriculture (cultivation of crops and
                  converted into a single, comparable measure. A                                                               livestock) and deforestation. This estimate does
                  tonne of CO2e equates to driving approximately                                                               not include the CO2 that ecosystems remove                                                                                           18%
                  11,800 km or 7,300 miles in a small, economical                                                              from the atmosphere by sequestering carbon in
                  diesel car or the equivalent emissions generated                                                             biomass, dead organic matter and soils, which                           18%                                                          Industry
                  by a single person travelling on a flight from                                                               offset approximately 20% of emissions from this
                  London to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia2.                                                                         sector.                                                                 Agriculture, Forestry,
                                                                        Source: hadcrut4, noaa, nasa and                                                                                               and Other Land Use
                                                                        cowtan & way datasets IPCC 2018                                                                                                                              Estimated Global Emissions by sector 2016
                                                                        chapter 1 Framing & context                                                                                                                                  Source: https://ourworldindata.org/emissions-by-sector

                                                           TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENCE SOMERSET PAGE 7                                                                                                                                                                          PAGE 8
Towards a Climate Resilient Somerset - Somerset's Climate Emergency Strategy
Transportation (18%) primarily from fossil fuels        such as transport (28%) and the built environment                                                                       3.2.3 Somerset emissions
burned for road, rail, air and marine transportation.   (15%) have made little progress since 1990.
Almost all (95%) of the world’s transportation
energy comes from petroleum-based fuels, largely        Transport was the largest emitting sector of UK            Energy supply delivered the largest reduction in
from petrol and diesel.                                 greenhouse gas emissions in 2018                           emissions from 2017 to 2018                                                                                 EMISSIONS BY SECTOR FOR SOMERSET 2018 (KTCO2)
Buildings (5%) arising from onsite energy                                                                                                   2017-2018          1990-2018
                                                                                                                                            % change           % change
                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Somerset West Sedgemoor South Somerset Mendip Somerset Emissions
generation and burning fuels for heat in buildings                                                                                                                                                                       & Taunton					%
or cooking in homes. (Note: Emissions from                                                                         Transport                       1%                3%
electricity use in buildings are excluded and                                                                                                                                     Industry & Commercial                       158.8         196.2          263.2        206.2   824.4     25.2
are instead covered in the Electricity and Heat                                                                    Energy supply                   7%                62%
Production sector).                                                                                                Business                        3%                31%
                                                                                                                                                                                  Agriculture                                  43.3          23.8          38.4          32.4   137.9     4.2
Waste (3%) emissions arising from treatment and                                                                    Residential                     4%                14%          Housing                                     212.8         165.1          239.7        167.5   785.1     24.0
disposal of waste.
                                                                                                                   Agriculture                     1%                16%          Transport                                   408.9         450.9          386.3        259.5   1505.5    46.1
Other (8%) all emissions including those from                                                                      Waste management                1%                             Land-use, Land-change                       -56.6          29.4          -9.5          52.5    15.8     0.5
                                                                                                                                                                     69%
fugitive emissions from industrial processes and
those from the energy sector which are not directly                                                                Other                           8%
                                                                                                                                                                                  & Forestry (LULUCF)
                                                                                                    Other 2%                                                         89%
associated with electricity or heat production,
such as fuel extraction, refining, processing and       Other includes Public, Industrial Processes and the Land   The energy supply sector has accounted for around half                                                     767.1         865.4          918.1        718.1   3,268.7   100
transportation.                                         Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) sectors         of the overall reduction in UK emissions since 1990, at
                                                        (note that LULUCF acts as a net sink of emissions). The    which point it accounted for 35% of all emissions in the       TOTAL
                                                        percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.           UK. It was the largest emitting sector until its emissions
3.2.2 UK emissions
                                                                                                                   fell below transport in 2016.
In 2018, the UK greenhouse gas emissions                Source: BEIS 2018 UK Greenhouse Gas Emission
published by the Department for Business, Energy        Statistics
and Industrial Strategy (BEIS)4 were estimated
to be 451.5 million tonnes CO2e, a significant
reduction of around 43% since 1990. However,
most of this progress derives from decarbonising
electricity production, down 62% from 1990, as
coal power generation has been phased out and
replaced with less polluting energy generation                                                                                                                                  Source: UK local authority & regional CO2 emissions
methods. Emission reductions in key sectors,                                                                                                                                    national statistics 2005-2018

                                                                                                     TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENCE SOMERSET PAGE 9                                                                                                                                           PAGE 10
The latest carbon emissions data estimates                 The largest amount of carbon emissions            Transport sector 46%                                  Reducing transport emissions in Somerset will be        Domestic sector 24%                                   Therefore, minimising and decarbonising energy
published by BEIS shows that in 2018, a total of           generated by sector within Somerset were          Transport emissions in Somerset have remained         a considerable challenge, due to the rurality of the    Emissions from the domestic sector accounted          consumption in buildings will be crucial to meeting
3,269 (kilotons) of ktCO2 were emitted in Somerset         produced by the transport sector (46%) with a     stubbornly high, at 1,500 ktCO2, with little change   County, which makes it difficult for public transport   for 24% of the total emissions released in the        carbon neutrality targets by 2030. Through
from industrial, agricultural, domestic and                further 25% produced from industrial processes,   in the volume of emissions since the mid 2000’s       schemes to connect dispersed communities. The           County in 2018. The graph below shows a slow          planning, Local Authorities have the power to
transport related sources5.                                24% from the domestic sector, 4% from             despite improvements in modern vehicles               geography of Somerset, and variation in access          and steady reduction from all the administrative      influence the location, type of development,
                                                           agriculture and 0.5% from LULUCF.                 becoming cleaner, less polluting and more             to public transport, means it is unlikely there is a    areas from around 1,300 ktCO2 in 2006 to 785          materials used, low carbon building design and
2018 Carbon Emissions (%) in Somerset                                                                        efficient.                                            single low carbon transport solution appropriate        ktCO2 in 2018. The majority of these reductions       renewable energy generation requirements for
by Sector (ktCO2)                                                                                                                                                  across all areas.                                       were due to the decarbonisation of the energy         new development.
                                                                                                             Transport Sector Emissions in Somerset (ktCO2)                                                                sector, not significant improvements in energy
                                                                                                                                                                   However, the Local Authorities are positively           efficiency within properties across the County.       However, most buildings that will be standing by
                                      4%                                                                                                                           encouraging a modal shift away from journeys            Progress has slowed in recent years as some of        2030 have already been built and influencing how
                                      AGRICULTURE                                                                                                                  undertaken in cars to more active travel choices        the easiest carbon reduction actions have been        this existing housing stock can be improved or
                                                                                                                                                                   or public transport with the aim to make walking,       taken and supporting mechanisms to encourage          retrofitted regarding energy efficiency measures
                                                                                                                                                                   cycling and public transport (in that order and         individuals to take action (Solar PV feed-in-tariff   and cutting carbon emissions is far more
                                                                                                                                                                   wherever possible), the most convenient modes           and Green Deal) have either ceased or not been        challenging and complex.
                                                     24%                                                                                                           of travel. They will seek investment in developing,     widely adopted.
                 25%                                 DOMESTIC                                                                                                      improving or upgrading appropriate existing                                                                   New developments and existing buildings and
                 INDUSTRY                                                                                                                                          transport links and networks to support this            Domestic Sector Emissions in Somerset (ktCO2)         infrastructure will also require considerable
                                                                                                                                                                   approach.                                                                                                     investment to adapt them and build resilience to
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 the projected impacts of Climate Change such as
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 increased flood risk and overheating and more
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 frequent extreme weather events.

             0.5%
             LAND USE,
             LAND-CHANGE                      46%
             & FORESTRYY                      TRANSPORT

                                                                                                             Source: UK local authority & regional CO2 emissions
                                                                                                             national statistics 2005-2018

Source: UK local authority & regional CO2 emissions national statistics 2005-2018
                                                                                                 TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENCE SOMERSET PAGE 11                                                                                                                                                                            PAGE 12
Industry and commercial 25%                            Industry & Commercial emissions                                                              Agriculture 4%
In 2018, emissions from the industry and               by administrative area ktCO2                                                                 The total carbon emissions from the County’s        The Climate Change narrative around farming and
commercial sector made up 25% of the annual                                                                                                         agricultural sector have remained static over the   food is one of “complexity” not only with regard
carbon emissions for the County at 824.4 ktCO2                                                                          158.8                       past 12 years at around 138 ktCO2, which equates    to agriculture’s role as an emitter and sequester
(excluding Agriculture). Since the mid 2000’s                                                                           SOMERSET WEST               to around 4% of the total carbon emissions for      of carbon, but also around how the land is, and
the volume of emissions has declined by over                                                                            & TAUNTON                   Somerset. It should be noted that methane from      should be, managed plus the role farming plays
50% with steep falls from emissions from large                                                                                                      agricultural practices is a much greater source     regarding the delivery of wider social, health and
                                                                                                                                                                                                        environmental benefits. As such it should be noted
industrial installations and commercial electricity.               2018 Total                                              196.2                    of greenhouse gas emissions rather than carbon
                                                                                                                                                    emissions from the sector. This explains the        that this is an emerging and dynamic policy area
Industry & Commercial Sector Emissions in                          Emissions                                               SEDGEMOOR
                                                                                                                                                    disparity between agriculture accounting for        and will need to be reviewed over time to reflect
Somerset (ktCO2)                                                   (ktCO2)                                                                          10% of the UK greenhouse gas emissions, which       sector innovation, new evidence, science and best
                                                                   (excluding                                                                       includes methane (as shown in section 3.2.2)        practice.
                                                                   agriculture)                                                 206.2               and only 4% of carbon emissions for Somerset
                                                                                                                                MENDIP              which does not take methane emissions into          It must also be noted that the agricultural sector
                                                                                                                                                    account. Agriculture and food production are        will be significantly impacted by the effects of
                                                                                                                                                    crucial elements in the management of our local     Climate Change. Rising temperatures, altered
                                                                                                                                   263.2            environment and the economy of Somerset. They       rainfall patterns and variations to atmospheric
                                                                                                                                   SOUTH SOMERSET   also have national significance in terms of the     CO2 concentrations will impact operations and
                                                                                                                                                    quality of the landscapes and natural environment   productivity, as well as pest prevalence and bring
                                                                                                                                                    and the contribution to UK food production.         the potential for the introduction of new invasive
                                                                                                                                         824.4      Agricultural Sector Emissions in Somerset (ktCO2)
                                                                                                                                                                                                        species within the UK.
                                                                                                                                         SOMERSET

Source: UK local authority & regional CO2 emissions    Source: UK local authority & regional CO2 emissions
national statistics 2005-2018                          national statistics 2005-2018

There is a relatively even spread of emissions         Whilst the dataset is used to calculate emissions
from this sector across all 4 District Council Areas   at an overall District level, it only includes
with Somerset West & Taunton District having           emissions generated within the County and does
the lowest emissions at 159 ktCO2 and South            not include emissions generated from supply
Somerset District the highest at 263 ktCO2.            chains and distribution beyond the County’s
                                                       borders.

                                                                                                   TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENCE SOMERSET PAGE 13                                                                                                             PAGE 14
3.3 Emissions from what is consumed                  for the UK’s territorial emissions in 2017. This      3.4 Why is it important to act?                         In 2018, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate       3.4.2 The UK response
within Somerset                                      gap between the UK’s consumption emissions                                                                    Change’s (IPCC) published its detailed special
                                                     and territorial emissions reflects the difference     Due to emissions released over the next few decades     report8 on Global Warming of 1.5°C, outlining the     The UK has been at the forefront of Climate
In addition to those emissions directly produced     between the imported emissions to satisfy UK          added to the emissions already within our atmosphere,   significant impacts this level of warming will have   Change legislation and established the UK Climate
in Somerset, to which the above statistics are       consumption and the emissions embedded in             global average temperature will rise by over 1.5°C      on the world. It also identified substantial number   Change Programme in 2000 to cut greenhouse
relevant, there are further indirect emissions.      UK exports.                                           and climate related risks to health, the environment    of climate risks that would be avoided by keeping     gas emission and deliver the emissions reductions
These arise from the manufacture or delivery of                                                            and economic prosperity will increase significantly.    warming to below 1.5°C compared to a greater          agreed in the Kyoto protocol.
products, goods and services that are purchased,     The UK has a similar consumption footprint to                                                                 increase.
used or consumed by the residents, businesses        many European countries, with consumption             3.4.1 The global response                                                                                     Climate Change Act 2008
and communities of Somerset but made or              footprint CO2e emissions per person greater than                                                              Climate extremes Temperature extremes are             In 2008, the Climate Change Act9 was passed
created elsewhere.                                                                                         At a global scale, there have been several              expected to increase by 2-3 times the increase in     enshrining a legal duty to ensure that UK
                                                     France, but lower than Germany and significantly      landmark commitments and legislation (See
                                                     lower than non-European developed countries                                                                   global average temperature between 1.5°C and          greenhouse gas emissions reduced by 80% by
It is important that we do not focus solely on                                                             appendix 5) to take action to cut greenhouse            2°C. Around 420 million fewer people would be         2050 and established the UK Committee on
                                                     such as the USA, Japan, Russia and Canada6.           gas emissions including the:
reaching ‘Net Zero’ by regarding emissions                                                                                                                         exposed to extreme heatwaves if warming was           Climate Change (CCC) to advise the Government.
produced at a local level only. Carbon emissions                                                           l establishment of the Intergovernmental Panel          kept to 1.5°C rather than 2°C.
                                                     Calculating emissions produced by industries
will still be generated elsewhere to provide us                                                               on Climate Change (IPCC) in 1988 to provide                                                                Climate Emergency 2019
                                                     and businesses is particularly difficult, primarily                                                           Ecosystems Risks of species extinction on land
with products and services further contributing to                                                            detailed scientific research and reporting on                                                              In 2019, following a review of the latest scientific
                                                     due to emissions from their supply chains. Not                                                                and in the ocean are lower at 1.5°C than 2°C.
future Climate Change.                                                                                        how and why our climate was changing and                                                                   evidence, the CCC published its own report
                                                     all emissions have to be publicly disclosed by                                                                For example, the fraction of global land area that
                                                                                                              what can be done to prevent the damaging                                                                   ‘Net Zero’10 which supported the previous IPPC
                                                     businesses, so there is a lack of data available to                                                           would change ecosystem type due to Climate
However, measuring the volume of ‘consumption’                                                                impacts                                                                                                    findings. They advised the UK Government to
                                                     assess the emissions of individual organisations.                                                             Change factors at 2°C (13%) would be roughly
emissions is complex, with limited ‘experimental’                                                          l 1992 United Nations Conference, or Rio Earth                                                                revise its long term 2050 carbon emissions
UK data on consumption emissions published by                                                                                                                      halved if warming was kept below 1.5°C (7%).          target from an 80% cut, to a ‘Net-Zero’ target for
                                                     From the latest estimated data, 54% of the               Summit, whereby member states were brought
the Department for Environment, Food and Rural       UK’s consumption footprint emissions were                together to cooperate on environmental issues                                                              greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
                                                                                                                                                                   Distribution of risks The increase in climate
Affairs (Defra) available annually. Consumption      produced in the UK and are therefore counted in          and agree the first Framework Convention             risk between a 1.5°C and 2°C warming would            Following the report, the UK Government revised
emissions statistics have higher uncertainty than    the UK’s territorial account. An additional 10%          on Climate Change to stabilise Greenhouse            disproportionately impact the poorest. Poverty        its carbon emissions target to Net Zero by 2050
the area-based emissions described above. This is    are produced in EU countries, meaning around             Gas concentrations in the atmosphere                 and disadvantage have already increased with          and became the first national Government to
due to the large amount of national accounts and     two-thirds of the UK’s consumption footprint          l establishment of the annual United Nations            recent warming and will increase for many             declare a Climate Emergency in May 2019. Now
trade data required, in addition to Greenhouse Gas   falls within countries that have legislated, or          Conference of the Parties (COP) which has            populations as average global temperatures            over 270 Councils, as well as countless other
inventories, to map the global flows of goods and    have currently proposed, an equally ambitious            resulted in ground-breaking legislation 		           increase from 1°C to 1.5°C and higher.                private and public sector entities, educational
services which provide inputs for a final product    long-term emission reductions target as the UK.          including the 1997 Kyoto Protocol which set                                                                establishments and not for profit organisations
consumed in the UK.                                  Emissions produced in China contribute 8% of the         the first obligations for industrialised countries   Irreversible changes Marine ice sheet instability     have followed suit and declared or recognised a
                                                     UK’s consumption footprint. The large number of          to cut carbon emissions and the 2015 Paris           in Antarctica and/or irreversible loss of the         Climate Emergency.
In 2017, the most recent year for which estimates    regions that make a significant contribution to the      Agreement whereby 195 countries agreed to            Greenland ice sheet could possibly be triggered
are available, the UK’s consumption CO2e             UK’s carbon footprint reflects the complexity of         adopt legally binding carbon reduction targets       by warming between 1.5°C and 2°C. Keeping
emissions footprint was estimated to be 772          current global supply chains7.                           to keep global warming below a 2°C average           warming below this level reduces the risk of
MtCO2e. This is larger than the 505 MtCO2e                                                                    temperature rise.                                    triggering these large-scale irreversible shifts.
                                       TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENCE SOMERSET PAGE 15                                                                                                                                                                                 PAGE 16
The Environment Bill 2020                               economy. Underpinning all of these aims and           l   Damage to marine ecosystems - Rising ocean       This diagram illustrates some of the drivers
The UK Government has also looked to address            ambitions is the need to align our public and             temperatures, ocean acidification and ocean      of Climate Change and the impacts they
several issues related to the natural environment       private finance with the Paris Agreement and that         anoxia (lack of oxygen) are damaging to marine   could have on the climate system.
by introducing the Environment Bill. This               through these campaigns, we can not only ‘do no           life such as fish and coral reefs.
legislation will create legally binding environmental   harm’, but also rebuild our economies better than
improvement targets, deliver biodiversity net           ever before.                                          l   Ocean acidification - occurs when the ocean
gain on future developments and create a new
                                                                                                                  absorbs carbon dioxide and becomes more
independent Office for Environmental Protection.        3.5 What are the impacts of Climate Change?               acidic, a damaging side effect from more
Its role will be to scrutinise environmental
                                                        3.5.1 Global impacts                                      carbon in the atmosphere.
policy and law, investigate complaints and take
enforcement action against public authorities           Some of the possible impacts of Climate Change
to uphold environmental standards.                      include:                                              l   Conflict and climate migrants - Climate
                                                                                                                  Change is a stress multiplier - it can take
                                                        l   Rising sea levels - Rising temperatures cause         existing problems, such as lack of food or
2021 UNFCCC Conference of the Parties
                                                            glaciers and ice sheets to melt, increasing           shelter and make them worse. This can cause
(COP 26) and G7 Presidency
                                                            runoff resulting in global sea level rise. Seas       people to compete or fight over scarce
In 2021, under the UK’s Presidency, the delayed
                                                            and oceans absorb 90% of the extra heat from          resources (food, water, and shelter),
26th UNFCCC climate summit11 will be held
                                                            global warming: warmer water expands taking           or to migrate.
in Glasgow. The UK Government will take this
                                                            up more space.
opportunity to demonstrate its leadership on
climate mitigation and adaptation by encouraging
an increase in global climate ambition. It will focus   l   Flooding of coastal regions - Coastal towns
the world on ‘green growth’ aiming not only to              and cities are at greater risk from flooding as
meet our Climate Change targets set under the               sea levels continue to rise.
Paris Agreement, but also demonstrating how to
deliver multiple benefits from developing clean         l   Extreme weather events – Climate changes
renewable energy and zero emissions transport               causes extreme weather events to become
to boost economic growth, create jobs, whilst               more intense and frequent, such as heatwaves,                                                                 Drivers of climate change
improving public health through cleaner air.                droughts and floods
It will also promote how, through protecting and
restoring nature, we can improve the resilience,                                                                                                                          Changes to the climate system
sustainability and economics of agriculture.            l   Food insecurity - High temperatures, extreme
By incorporating adaptation and resilience into             weather events, flooding and droughts damage
                                                            soils and reduce biodiversity affecting crop                                                                  Impacts
recovery plans, we can better prepare for an
uncertain future while supporting the global                yields year on year.

                                                                                                                                                                   Source: www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/climate-change/
                                                                                                                                                                   what-is-climate-change
                                                                                                  TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENCE SOMERSET PAGE 17                                                                           PAGE 18
3.5.2 Summary of expected local impacts
of Climate Change                                                                                                                                            UK Progress in preparing for Climate Change

                                                                                                                                                                                          Infrastructure                                                                                               Natural environment
                                                                                                                                                                                          More extreme weather with climate change will disrupt infrastructure services,                               The health of the natural environment
                                                                                                                                                                                          such as electricity, telecommunications, and transport                                                       needs to be improved so it can cope
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       with climate change
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Targets to improve the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   natural environment are
                                                                                                                                                                                                        Storm Desmond in 2015                                                                                                                                                      being missed and are
                                                                                                                                                                                                        showed telephone and
    TRANSPORT                   THE BUILT                BUSINESS &              THE NATURAL                  WATER                      HEALTH &                                                       broadband services are                                                                               £15 million
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Long-term declines in
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             key species continue
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   due to expire in 2020

                                                                                ENVIRONMENT &
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Infrastructure failures,
    NETWORKS                  ENVIRONMENT                 INDUSTRY                                         (FLOOD RISK                  WELLBEING
                                                                                                                                                                                                        vulnerable to flooding                                                                               allocated for
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 such as bridges, can                        natural flood

                                                                                 AGRICULTURE
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 have widespread
                                                                                                           & DROUGHT)                                                                                                                                            consequences
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             management
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             projects

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Agricultural efficiency
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             has been increasing
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Water and energy
                                                                                                                                                                                                    Better co-ordination and data                 infrastructure is becoming
                                                                                                                                                                                                    sharing between infrastructure                more resilient
                                                                                                                                                                                                    providers is needed

Disruption to transport   Overheating risks         Costs to reduce          Risk to vulnerable       Increase risk of coastal,   Increase in heat-related
networks from extreme     in housing, offices,      emissions and adapt      species and habitats     pluvial and fluvial         illness and death                                       Flooding
weather events, (flood    schools, hospitals and    infrastructure                                    flooding                                                                            Climate change is set to increase                     18,000 new homes due to be
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                built in the highest risk parts
and heat) impacting on    social care settings      to Climate Change        Impacts on ‘eco-                                     Risk to the elderly and                                 the frequency and intensity of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                of the floodplain per year

local economy, health &                                                      system services’         Increased flash flood       very young with heart
                                                                                                                                                                                          flooding, with four million homes
                                                                                                                                                                                          in England already at risk                       Sewer networks lack                                                           Progress in preparing
wellbeing                 Damage to buildings       Disruption to            enjoyed by people        risk from extreme           and respiratory disease                                                                                  sufficient capacity for
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           heavier rainfall                                                              for climate change
                          and infrastructure from   transport, energy                                 weather events                                                                                                                                                                                                     Key messages from the Adaptation
Flood risk to transport   extreme weather events    and communications       Impacts of increased                                 Disrupted access to
infrastructure
                                                                                                                                                                                                               Sustainable drainage
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Sub-Committee’s second report to
                                                                             drought                  Further stress on           services and facilities                                                      systems are not being

                          Need to retrofit          Risks to supply chains                            already under pressure      from extreme weather
                                                                                                                                                                                                               widely used
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Parliament on the UK Government’s
Heavy rain/high winds                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    National Adaptation Programme
leading to more           buildings to build        both local, national     Damage to natural        water resources             events                                                                                                                                  Flood defence spending
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          has increased, with
accidents, treefalls,     resilience                and global               habitats from water                                                                                                                                                                          £2.5bn being invested

road closures and                                                            stress                   Increased competition       Flooding impacts on                                                                                                                     2015-2021

delays                    New design standards      Increased prices for                              for water between           health, wellbeing and
                          needed for drainage,      raw materials, goods,    Pests and disease risk   agriculture, industry,      livelihoods                                             Overheating in the                                                                                           Coastal regions
Risk of slope/            insulation and building   and other imported       of invasive/non-native   households and the                                                                  built environment                                                                       Green spaces and     Climate change will increase
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  trees help to keep
embankment failures       fabric etc Increased      commodities              species colonising       needs of the natural        Air quality impacts                                     Heatwave temperatures
                                                                                                                                                                                          will become a normal
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  temperatures
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       tidal flooding and the rate of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       coastal erosion. UK waters are                  11,000 homes were
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  down
                          flood risk                                                                  environment                 exacerbated                                             summer by the 2040s                                                                                          becoming warmer and this will                   protected against coastal
Overheating/failure of                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 affect fisheries                                erosion between 2010
                                                    Reduced comfort in       Changes to growing                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        and 2015
signalling & comms                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          The resilience of UK
                          Increased water stress    buildings impacting      seasons                  Drought impacts on                                                                                                       No building
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            ports to sea level

                                                    on productivity                                   water quality and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            rise is not known
Risk of rails buckling,                                                                                                                                                                                                        standards in place
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               to avoid new homes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              More action
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              needed to protect
cables sagging and        Disruption to power                                Heat stress on           supply                                                                                                                   overheating                                                                    communities from

roads softening in heat   and communication         Changes to markets       livestock                                                                                                                                                 Hospitals, care homes,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              coastal change
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       There is evidence
                          networks                  and demand                                                                                                                                                                         schools and prisons are                                                                                              60% of coastal
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            habitats are in
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       that plankton is
Discomfort on public                                                         Damage to crops &
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       not being adapted for
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       warmer weather                   Area of urban greenspace is                                                         good condition
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       becoming less
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       abundant in warmer
transport
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        no longer falling
                                                                             landscapes from                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           UK waters

                                                                             flooding
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 www.theccc.org.uk/publications                         Read our new report èProgress in preparing for climate change – 2017 Report to Parliament                  #UKClimateAction

                                                                                        TOWARDS A CLIMATE RESILIENCE SOMERSET PAGE 19                        Source: www.theccc.org.uk/publications                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   PAGE 20
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