Climate change mitigation and adaptation has long been part of Angus Council's activities. In February 2007, Angus Council signed Scotland’s Climate Change Declaration. In September 2019, Angus Council declared a Climate Emergency.
We recognise the impact for now and future generations, and have a nine-point plan.
In November 2021, the Glasgow COP26 conference ended in success. Nearly 200 countries agreed the Glasgow Climate Pact to keep 1.5 degrees C alive and finalise the outstanding elements of the Paris Agreement. For the target to be achieved global emissions must decline and become net zero by 2050. Net zero means the amount of greenhouse gas emissions we put into the atmosphere and the amount we're able to take out add up to zero. In response, the Scottish Government have set an ambitious target for Scotland to become net zero by 2045.
The following three key documents highlight:
- the climate challenges faced by Angus and Angus Council
- the progress achieved to date
- plans on how Angus Council intends to transition the region towards net zero
Angus Council Transition to Net Zero Action Plan: 2022 to 2030
The Angus Council Transition to Net Zero Action Plan: 2022 to 2030 was approved on 8 September 2022.
The purpose of this Transition to Net Action Plan (2022 to 2030) is to ensure Angus Council meet the 2030 Scottish Government interim emissions reduction target of a 75% reduction in emission, en route to the Net Zero target by 2045. The key themes identified below, will be used drive emission reductions within key operational areas to meet the 2030 interim emissions reduction target:
- Leadership, Governance & Procurement
- Buildings, Energy & Infrastructure
- Waste, Recycling & Circular Economy
- Fleet & Business Travel
- Land Use Adaptation
Within each of these key themes, Action Plans containing emission reduction projects and initiatives have been developed. This will be a live document; it will evolve as technologies emerge and mature, as budget resources allow and as new techniques and practices develop.
The Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP)
The Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP) was approved on 4 November 2021.
It supports Angus in its commitment to:
- sustainable development
- environmental management
- the transition to a low-carbon economy
This plan provides a roadmap. This highlights areas where Angus can :
- reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- create potential adaptation actions in response to climate change
It also lists measures to provide sustainable, affordable, and secure access to energy.
Following consultation with key stakeholders within Angus Council, community groups, businesses and third sector organisations, a series of deliverable actions have been set throughout six key sectors:
- buildings
- energy
- transport
- land use
- forestry, agriculture and food
- waste
The plan also includes governance and process actions.
- Angus Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP)
- Sustainable Energy & Climate Action Plan SEA
- Initial SECAP Work Programme
Public Bodies Duty Report
Angus Council submits an annual statutory report to the Scottish Government on our progress in contributing to Scotland’s ambitious climate change targets:
- a reduction in emissions by 75% by 2030
- 90% by 2040
- net-zero target for 2045
The report details targets set, actions taken, outcomes achieved and further actions required.
The Climate Change Member Officer Group monitors our climate change response. It considers the council's progress in greenhouse gas reduction, implementing land use adaptation, and wider sustainability topics that play a part in our journey towards net zero.
Local Climate Impacts Profiles
Angus Council has published two Local Climate Impacts Profiles.
- Angus Local Climate Impacts Profile (LCLIP) 1st edition
- Angus Local Climate Impacts Profile (LCLIP) 2nd edition
These give us a better understanding of our exposure to weather and climate and the area’s vulnerability to severe weather events.
This means we can measure the impact on local communities and our assets. We can also assess our capacity to deliver services.
Net Zero Guide for Schools
During Angus Climate Week 2022 a Net Zero Guide for Schools was launched. Primary school pupils will become Climate Action Superheroes to help transform their schools into climate friendly, Net Zero zones by completing various missions!
For any support or questions relating to the guide please email sustainableangus@angus.gov.uk
Angus Climate Week 2022
Angus Climate Week is an entire week of events led by Angus communities, businesses, charities, and partnerships highlighting the many ways we all deliver climate action.
We are all passionate about leading on the ground action and sharing our stories. Angus Council’s Environment & Climate Change Team has worked with communities across Angus to pull together this exciting programme of walks, talks, activities, and educational sessions. Be inspired, make connections, and get involved.
We look forward to welcoming you. All events are FREE unless otherwise indicated.
View the full events programme.
More on climate change and transitioning to a low carbon lifestyle
- Scottish Government - Climate Change: the Scottish Government's Climate Change Plan and actions.
- IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) – United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change.
- Love Food : Hate Waste - what you can do to reduce food waste and recipe ideas.
- Zero Waste Scotland – help on where to start recycling, how to guides and a digital recycling sorter tool.
- Love your clothes – buying new clothes, care and repair, refashion and upcycle and what to do with unwanted clothes.
- The Re-use Tool - if you have large items you no longer need and are still in good condition, you can have them collected
- Energy Saving Trust – advice on energy at home and low carbon travel.
- Biodiversity – what can you do? – Nature Scot helps you enhance biodiversity in your daily life.
- Encourage wildlife to your garden – a few small changes can bring major benefits for the creatures that call it home!
For more information contact sustainableangus@angus.gov.uk