Our strategies themes

View our climate & ecological emergency strategies

Somerset’s Climate Emergency Strategy

Somerset’s Climate Emergency Strategy was developed jointly by the five Somerset local authorities, sector experts and external partners

Climate news and events

Keep up to date with all our climate related news stories here

Climate Summit

21st September 2022, 10am-1pm, Queens College, Taunton

Future Workshops

Following the Summit there will be several workshops held across Somerset

Climate newsletter sign-up

Stay up-to-date with the latest climate news by signing-up to our monthly newsletter

Become a climate champion

Sign-up to our network of residents, passionate about the environment.

Reduce your footprint

Quick tips on how you can reduce your carbon footprint

Grasslands

Grasslands are globally important because they are a natural carbon sink and an important ecological habitat and food source

Carbon audit toolkit for businesses

We are asking everyone who runs a business in Somerset to consider ways in which their business can help tackle climate change.

Climate emergency funding and grants

Look at current funding and grants available including those to increase the energy efficiency of your home.

Carbon reduction grants for business scheme case studies

Check out some of our success stories so far

Mendip District Council

Mendip District Council declared a Climate and Ecological Emergency in February 2019 to make best endeavours to enable the district to be carbon neutral by 2030

South Somerset District Council

South Somerset District Council formally recognised a Climate and Ecological in May 2019 and published their Environmental Strategy in October 2019, pledging to make the council carbon neutral by 2030

Sedgemoor District Council

Sedgemoor District Council declared a Climate Emergency in March 2019 and in July 2022 declared and Ecological Emergency

Somerset West and Taunton Council

Somerset West and Taunton Council declared a Climate Emergency in February 2019 and an Ecological emergency in September 2020

Somerset’s joint Climate Emergency Strategy

Somerset’s joint Climate Emergency Strategy was published by Somerset County Council in November 2020

Scrutiny

We have a monthly Climate Scrutiny Board that discusses work related to our Climate and Ecological Emergency

Current projects

Take a look at what we are working on and have your say

Our Executives

Executives oversee making decisions for Somerset

Carbon Footprint

We have made an annual commitment to report on our carbon footprint

Built Environment

Emissions from residential homes accounts for 15% of our county’s carbon footprint. Decreasing our emissions from our home has so many benefits.

Business, Industry and Supply Chain

We are asking everyone who runs a business in Somerset to consider ways in which their business can help tackle climate change

Communication and Partners

Previous to Somerset Council all the Somerset Council’s had either declared or recognised a Climate and Ecological Emergency

Energy

Renewable energy has and will continue to play a key role in the decarbonisation of Somerset and the power we use

Food and Farming

We recognise there are competing demands for land across the UK from farmland, renewables, biodiversity and housing needs

Health and Wellbeing

Your health and wellbeing are incredibly important, and the impacts of climate change can have a profound effect on it

Natural Environment

We all know how important Trees are to our environment. Not only do they produce oxygen they also sequester carbon, help manage flooding, filter water and provide habitat to over 80% of the world's biodiversity

Transport

Emissions from transport make up the biggest part of Somerset’s carbon footprint at 28%

Waste and Resources

Household waste collections and recycling are the responsibility of Somerset Waste Partnership.

Water

If you are looking to report any flooding, please head to our flooding information page