Have your say on Devon's plans to become carbon 'net zero'

Residents have the chance to shape the county's roadmap to net-zero by taking part in the Interim Devon Carbon Plan Consultation.

The consultation opened this month and gives the public an opportunity to influence Devon's collective response to the global climate emergency and create a healthier, fairer and stronger Devon.

The consultation follows a series of hearings and more than 893 submissions of ideas and evidence from the public.

It's the next crucial step towards producing the Final Devon Carbon Plan, which once published, will enshrine what every Devon citizen, business and organisation has to do to ensure that Devon becomes net-zero.

The plan is being developed by the Net-Zero Task Force, a top-team of experts appointed by the Devon Climate Emergency Response Group (DCERG), a partnership of councils, emergency services, voluntary organisations and business groups.

Consultees are asked to go to the Devon Climate Emergency website and review the Interim plan which includes the transformational changes needed to create a thriving net-zero Devon.

They are then asked to indicate to what extent they agree with each of the proposed actions listed. All the actions are based on the latest evidence and address the suggestions from the public call for evidence.

The topics range from active travel, renewable energy, and improved air quality to better insulation and warmer homes, reduced fuel poverty and eating more balanced diets.

Additionally, they highlight issues that are more challenging to implement. These will be prioritised for discussion at the Citizens' Assembly in 2021 to ensure that the recommendations in the Final Devon Carbon Plan reflect the views of Devon's citizens.

Professor Patrick Devine-Wright, chair of the Net-Zero Task Force, said: "Since the pandemic began the Carbon Plan has grown beyond the necessity to reduce carbon emissions.

"It is now a rare opportunity to create a fairer, healthier, more resilient and more prosperous society.

"For instance, actions like a transition to clean technologies will create new jobs, improve energy security and will help increase economic prosperity.

"While enhancing the natural environment offers tremendous opportunities to reduce flood risk, improve water and air quality, the availability of nutritious food and will create more accessible green space.

"Ultimately it's up to all of us as Devon's citizens. The more people who take part in the consultation from all walks of life and all parts of Devon, the stronger our argument becomes, the more momentum we create and the more likely we are to realise our goals.

"It's your carbon plan, and what you think really matters."

Dr Phil Norrey, chair of DCERG, added: "I would like to thank the members of the Devon Climate Emergency Response Group and the Net-Zero Taskforce for their work.

"The science is clear, our planet is warming at an alarming rate and the crisIs can only be managed through collective action.

"The Interim Devon Carbon Plan is Devon's proposed collective response and every person, every business and every organisation has a stake in this process. I urge everyone to take the time and look at what is being proposed and to give their views."

You can view the Interim Carbon Plan and the consultation questionnaire at the Devon Climate Emergency website or you can obtain a paper copy from your local library from January 6, 2021, or by emailing [email protected] or calling 0345 155 1015.