Manchester’s updated Climate Change Framework 2020-25 has been published today – and people, businesses and organisations in the city are being urged to get on board.
Where we are and where we need to get to
Manchester is currently not on track to stay within its carbon budget. We have not been reducing our direct emissions quickly enough and are at risk of missing the city’s first milestone – to halve its direct carbon emissions by 2025
The ultimate goal is for Manchester to become net zero carbon by 2038 at the latest – 12 years ahead of the national target.
The updated framework – which can be found at www.manchesterclimate.com/content/2022-update – uses modelling to identify detailed actions which need to be taken for carbon emission reductions to be achieved at the sort of scale required to catch up. It makes more than 150 recommendations. Some of them require national government or regional action including considerable investment. But much can be achieved right here in the city.
The key areas of focus relate to reducing carbon emissions from buildings and ground transport.
To get to the a citywide 50 per cent reduction the framework says that more than 84,000 homes will need to be retrofitted to make them more energy efficient. There will also need to be a steep reduction in demands from industrial, commercial and institutional premises.
To reach the ground transport target, there will need to be a 30% reduction in overall travel. Some 20% of journeys will need to be made by public transport and another 20% by active travel (such as walking or cycling.) Four-fifths of remaining trips will need to be made using electric or hybrid vehicles.
Manchester also needs to significantly increase renewable energy generation, especially from small scale solar energy.
The updated framework also looks at the importance of adaptions and resilience to ensure the city can manage the real and immediate impacts of climate change which are already being felt – such as the increased risk of flooding. Nature-based solutions will play an important role.
There is also a need for changes in how we behave as consumers – changing what we buy and moving from a ‘throwaway’ culture, as well as having more plant-based meals.
The prize, however, is great with positive impacts on Manchester people’s health, opportunities in new green jobs and scope to reduce fuel poverty among the benefits, as well as Manchester playing its full part in tackling climate change.
How can you help with this work?
If you are a business or organisation in the city you can join Manchester Climate Change Partnership. Consisting of organisations from our public, private, community, faith, culture and academic sectors the Partnership work to cut their own carbon emissions while supporting others to do so. If you are interested in getting involved please visit https://www.manchesterclimate.com/content/join-MCCP
Manchester Climate Change Partnership is part of the Bee Net Zero partnership which is co-ordinating support to help business cut their emissions. Further tips are available at www.beenetzero.com
And practical advice for residents can be found at www.manchesterclimate.com/15actions
You can find out more about what’s going on in your neighbourhood and how you can get involved at www.manchester.gov.uk/zerocarbon
Mike Wilton, Chair of Manchester Climate Change Partnership, said: “This is an updated plan for the whole city. Developed in partnership and based on the best and latest data modelling available, it sets out how citizens, organisations, businesses and local and national government can play their part. I’d urge everyone to join us.
“The targets are challenging but the rewards for the city will be great. Addressing climate change isn’t just about limiting and becoming more resilient to its impacts, as urgent as that is. Success in achieving these targets will also create a healthy, green and socially just Manchester in which everyone can thrive.”
Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “For Manchester to meet its climate target is an enormous and urgent undertaking. But this has always been a can-do city and working together there is a huge amount we can achieve.
“The Council as an organisation is on track to halve our direct carbon emissions by 2025 and we are showing what can be achieved with concerted focus. We also recognise our key role in influencing and enabling local action to rise to this challenge and that this needs to be a just transition to net zero where everyone can share in the benefits of a greener city.
“The updated framework provides clarity on the priority areas where everyone from national government to councils, companies, communities and individuals need to take urgent action. We would encourage anyone, from the biggest multi-national company with a presence in the city to Manchester communities and residents to join us in this collective effort.”
The framework is produced by Manchester Climate Change Agency on behalf of Manchester Climate Change Partnership.
