Energy and low emissions strategy - video transcript

The world is changing.

Kent is changing.

We’ve started our own journey, but if we’re to protect ourselves against the effects of the climate emergency, we need to do even more. Fast!

Our Energy And Low Emissions Strategy explains how we’re going to make some serious changes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the whole county to net zero by 2050.

We’re developing a new way for councils to assess and manage the environmental impact of what we do.

Over the next 30 years, most greenhouse gas emissions will come from buildings which exist today!

So we must be at the centre of the green-energy revolution, helping businesses and residents.

Renewable energy generation on public sector land and buildings will be increased.

We’ve just secured £21 million in funding to support our efforts!

Every (normal) year over 9 million vehicles travel through the Port of Dover and Channel Tunnel alone.

Transport is the biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Kent.

It’s bad for the environment, and it’s bad for your health.

So there will be new electric vehicle charging points, more and better footpaths and cycle routes.

We’ll invest in public transport, and a focus on digital tech to help reduce the need to travel.

It’s not just about transport though.

We will develop schemes and improve land management practice, to increase habitats such as:

  • Trees
  • Grasslands
  • Hedgerows

Kent's population is growing -  almost 180,000 new homes will be built by 2031.

So, we will work together to ensure they are all fit for a zero-carbon future.

What about now though?

We need to go further, because there is a climate emergency.

We'll establish a Kent and Medway climate emergency fund to support the big impact schemes.

We’ll also be here to support local businesses to prepare for a low carbon future.

These messages and more, will be promoted through our Kent Green Action campaign.

Everyone in Kent has a part to play, too…

The time to act is now.

kent.gov.uk/kentgreenaction