The need for change - Rugby Net Zero
The need for change
The Paris Agreement (also known as the Paris Accords or Paris Climate Accords) is an international treaty with a goal of limiting global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels and it introduced accelerated actions and commitments to meet that aim.
In their 6th assessment report, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) state that human-induced climate change is already affecting many weather and climate extremes in every region across the globe, and, that global surface temperatures will continue to rise until at least the mid-century under all emissions scenarios considered. The IPCC state that limiting global warming is still achievable but will require strong action.
In their 6th assessment report, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) state that human-induced climate change is already affecting many weather and climate extremes in every region across the globe, and, that global surface temperatures will continue to rise until at least the mid-century under all emissions scenarios considered. The IPCC state that limiting global warming is still achievable but will require strong action.
UK action
In the UK, we have already seen warming of 1.2c from pre industrial levels. The UK government has set a commitment in law to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Achieving this target will require considerable effort with public bodies, private sector organisations, the third sector and individuals working together to take action.
The UK Climate Change Act sets out a statutory five yearly cycle of domestic climate change risk assessments, led by the UK Climate Change Committee (UKCCC). The latest of these assessments has identified 61 risks and opportunities of which eight need urgent attention in the next two years, including the collapse of supply chains leading to risks to the supply of foods; climate related failure to the power system; and risks to human health, wellbeing and productivity. These are very real issues which will have a profound effect on the way that we all live our lives, with the implications becoming a reality in the short term.
The UK Climate Change Act sets out a statutory five yearly cycle of domestic climate change risk assessments, led by the UK Climate Change Committee (UKCCC). The latest of these assessments has identified 61 risks and opportunities of which eight need urgent attention in the next two years, including the collapse of supply chains leading to risks to the supply of foods; climate related failure to the power system; and risks to human health, wellbeing and productivity. These are very real issues which will have a profound effect on the way that we all live our lives, with the implications becoming a reality in the short term.
Borough action
Rugby Borough Council declared a climate emergency in 2019, and in doing so committed to:
The Council’s Corporate Strategy (2021-24) sets ambitious commitments in relation to Climate Change. The Climate Change Strategy will set out how the Council will expand on those commitments into a strategy for the longer term. In doing so, the strategy will provide a framework for collaboration with all stakeholders in the Borough, be those residents, businesses, voluntary groups or statutory bodies, and in turn lead to joint action.
- move the Council’s operations towards Carbon Neutrality by 2030;
- establish action to tackle climate change as a key driver of all decision-making;
- provide community leadership in reducing the impact of Climate Change;
- take action to mitigate the impact of climate change on a Borough wide basis and beyond, through adaptation.
The Council’s Corporate Strategy (2021-24) sets ambitious commitments in relation to Climate Change. The Climate Change Strategy will set out how the Council will expand on those commitments into a strategy for the longer term. In doing so, the strategy will provide a framework for collaboration with all stakeholders in the Borough, be those residents, businesses, voluntary groups or statutory bodies, and in turn lead to joint action.