October 25th, 2021.



There are now 88 cross-party local leaders, representing over half of the UK population and 34,030,804 million people, committed to meeting Net Zero at least five years earlier than the UK government.

All these authorities have signed UK100’s ‘Net Zero Pledge’ that explicitly commits them to neutralising council emissions by 2030 and those of their residents and businesses (areawide emissions) by 2045.

Councillor Zoe Nicholson, Leader of Lewes District Council, explained: "We are fully committed to our journey to net zero and have many aspects of our strategy are already underway in Lewes district towards our commitment of becoming fully climate resilient and achieving carbon net zero by 2030, and our signing of the UK100’s Net Zero Pledge ahead of COP26 serves to reinforce this work.

“We know that working with the community is key to meeting our climate action goals in Lewes district and becoming part of this network enables us to also work collaboratively outside the district with other local authorities.

“We look forward to sharing knowledge and working with our partners to find innovative solutions, alongside strengthening and accelerating this nation’s response to the global climate emergency we are all facing."

UK100’s Net Zero Pledge commits the local authorities to cutting their council emissions to Net Zero by 2030 and those of their residents and businesses by 2045 - five years ahead of the UK government’s 2050 target.

Christopher Hammond, Network Membership Director at UK100, said: “The fundamental challenge of our time is moving towards Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions to preserve our way of life and avert climate breakdown.

“As the international community comes together in Glasgow for COP26, global decisions need to be delivered at a local level. It's a task that will need bold leadership, legislative clarity, shifts in behaviour and enthusiastic adoption of new technologies.

“Local government is uniquely placed to overcome these challenges. Not only do they provide services, but they have a unique sphere of influence.

“Fantastic things are already happening from UK100’s ambitious members, in county, city and town halls across the country. They are already playing a decisive role in tackling climate change ahead of the UK government's target, making their communities fairer, safer and greener."

www.uk100.org