Creating a carbon neutral feature

One of our key reasons for exploring these projects is to help to create a carbon neutral future for our islands

Orkney produced 120% of its electricity needs in 2017/18, but there is still so much more we can do to decarbonise our local industries, heating, and transport.

In our Council Plan we have a target outcome for, “A vibrant carbon neutral economy which supports local businesses and stimulates investment in all our communities” and in May 2019 we joined organisations around the world in declaring a climate emergency.

We also have national targets to contribute to - net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland by 2045 and in the UK by 2050 - and to meet these targets, emissions from homes, transport, farming and industry will all have to be addressed.

One of the questions we've been asked at our public exhibitions is whether it's really the job of local councils to tackle climate change - or whether this work is better carried out on an international level.

A recent blog post from the LGiU - a local authority membership organisation and think tank - looks at this issue, exploring the actions that local government and individuals are taking to address climate change where those at the international stage are perhaps failing to. Check it out here -https://lgiu.org/on-cop25-caught-in-the-devils-bargain-weve-got-to-get-ourselves-back-to-the-garden// and leave a comment below to let us know your thoughts