Sustainable Development

Combating climate change

The challenge of climate change

The world's climate is already changing. Burning coal, oil and gas (fossil fuels) for energy used in industry, homes and transport is increasing the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere.

This has caused temperatures throughout the world to rise over the last 100 years and unless we reduce CO2 emissions, climate change will have a huge effect on the world's economies, societies and wildlife.

Climate change is recognised as being one of the biggest problems facing the world and governments worldwide are trying to reduce their CO2 emissions and other greenhouse gases.

The solutions for reducing our climate change impact are well known and easily available - they involve using energy more efficiently and increasing the use of renewable energy. To reduce CO2 emissions we must take action locally.

What we are doing to tackle climate change

The Council and its partners are taking actions to reduce the borough's contribution to climate change on a number of fronts.

Firstly, we have a plan in place to reduce our energy consumption and CO2 emissions by 20% by 2010. We are making an investment of around £1 million in this programme as we recognise the importance of reducing our impact. Our Greening the Council web page will give you more detail about the actions we are taking.

We are also focusing on Sustainable Regeneration. Barking and Dagenham is in the midst of a massive regeneration programme that will see 25,000 homes and associated community, businesses and transport infrastructure built. The Council and it regeneration partners are taking this opportunity to ensure new developments do not adversely impact on the environment.

We are achieving this through our Sustainable Planning work which is strengthening the borough's planning policies.

What we are doing to adapt to climate change

We are also taking measures to adapt to climatic changes that are already happening. We are assessing the risk to Barking and Dagenham from flooding and making sure existing as well as new communities are protected against this risk.

We are also thinking about the risk of overheating during future hotter summers and design our public spaces with cooling in mind, for example by using cool light coloured materials and using trees for shading.

Finally, we are reducing water consumption both in the council by dealing with leaking pipes and educating staff to save water, and are encouraging residents to do likewise.

Do your bit to combat climate change!

Everyone has a stake in the environment and the health of our planet since drastic climatic changes will impact us all negatively. At the same time, we all have a role to play in reducing CO2 emissions at work, at home, when we travel and in our spare time. The following pages provide useful tips and advice on how we can all do our bit to combat climate change.

Beacon Status

In March 2008 Barking and Dagenham was awarded Beacon Status for tackling climate change. The award recognises Barking and Dagenham as a leading authority on the issue of climate change, and means that for one year Barking and Dagenham will be responsible for sharing the best practice found in the borough with local authorities nationwide.

Barking and Dagenham's work on low carbon regeneration, and in particular major projects such as the Sustainable Industrial Park in Dagenham Dock, Barking Riverside and Barking Town Centre Energy Action Area, impressed the judges as innovative solutions to climate change.

Other initiatives that received the Government's praise included working with residents and staff to raise awareness on the risks climate change will bring and to encourage everyone to get involved and reduce their carbon footprint.

Greening your home|

Green activities in your community|

Greening your business|

Greening your travel|