UK GRASSROOTS environmental organization Friends of the Earth (FotE) says that, according to government data, inefficiencies with Wokingham’s housing sector is responsible for 48% of the area’s emissions.
Making sure every home is insulated and providing grants for more climate-friendly heating could help lower energy bills and reduce emissions, it explains, and could ease the struggles many households now face because of the rising cost of living.
FotE’s data also shows that transport is responsible for 31% of Wokingham’s emissions.
Local authorities need to do all they can to encourage residents to travel by cycling, e-bikes and walking, as well as public transport, in order to lower emissions and improve air quality, it adds.
In July 2019, Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) members unanimously declared a climate emergency commiting the council to do as much as possible to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.
This led to the publication of WBC’s first Climate Emergency Action Plan.
‘Our dream is for a carbon neutral Wokingham Borough, where our community will breathe clean air and enjoy clean and green bio-diverse spaces,’ says the council.
To find out what its members are currently doing to realise that dream, to support their initiatives, and to learn how residents can contribute to positive change, people can visit the council’s Climate Emergency Hub and sign up to its newsletter, at: wokingham.gov.uk/climate-emergency
Friends of the Earth wants to create a sustainable future by tackling environmental problems and promoting solutions.
For information, visit: friendsoftheearth.uk
