Carbon Neutrality & Resilience

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Glastonbury Climate Emergency & Resilience

In 2019 the UN Secretary-General stated:

“it is abundantly clear that climate disruption is happening now and everywhere.”

And in 2020, WWF reported that

“our planet’s wildlife populations have now plummeted by 68% since 1970.”

In 2019, Glastonbury Town Council declared a climate emergency, and pledged to be carbon neutral by 2030. The next year, the UK was the first country to pass laws to make sure that the country reaches net zero by 2050. This will mean big changes to the way we live. At the same time, our daily lives have been completely disrupted by a virus, as the damage to nature and other difficulties caused by climate change come closer to our door.

This time offers us a new chance to change how we live and work. We can choose to do whatever we can with wisdom, and with kindness for each other, and for nature.

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What Glastonbury Town Council is doing

When we looked at the greenhouse gases that Glastonbury Town Council produces, we found that what we do causes roughly 46 tonnes (46,000kg) of carbon dioxide to be released each year. Switching to a renewable electricity supplier has saved 11 tonnes. But the 35 tonnes will be much more difficult. We are starting this work in five areas:

  1. Cut out waste – (Always the first step) Finding ways to use less energy, fuel, materials and water. And to create less waste. GTC has started with an assessment of our carbon dioxide emissions (see CER report), identifying where we can cut waste.We have already saved water by improving toilets and using 5000 litres of rainwater storage for watering plants.
  2. Switch to renewable energy – Switching to electric heating, vehicles, and equipment, so that we can use renewable energy to power them. GTC has switched to 100% renewable energy supplier.
  3. Support nature – Protecting and restoring forests, peatlands, wetlands, soils, water, and other natural systems. GTC has planted hedges in Herbies field, plus trees there and around the town centre. We have also made our planting areas Glyphosate free zones, by introducing a new weed control system.
  4. Share – Telling people about what works, supporting community groups, buying local, switching to ethical suppliers and banks, pushing government for support. This website is the first step in GTC’s aim to share experience and expertise to the wider community, and support community groups.
  5. Prepare for the changes ahead – Plan ways to protect the town from flooding, storms and other impacts. Support community groups, and individuals, to cope with coming changes. The town Investment Plan offers many opportunities for this work. By planning renovations of buildings and services, GTC is protecting them from future climate impacts. By improving communications and support, we aim to help people to prepare for the changes ahead.
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Further Information

  • What You Can Do
  • Affordable Solar Panels
  • Climate Emergency Advisory Committee (CEAC)
  • Reports & Newsletters
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Useful Websites

Carbon and ecological footprint calculators

Local groups and resources

This list of local resources is an excellent place to start. It was put together by members of ‘Changing Times’, a local group set up as a response to the growing global crisis. – https://www.glastoncentre.org/local-resources.html

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Contact us

  • Tell us what you feel about what we’re doing.
  • Tell us what you need.
  • Share with us something that inspires you.
  • Share any ideas that might be helpful for others.

Contact us at climate@glastonbury.gov.uk

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