Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
Devon has recorded a four per cent drop in carbon emissions over the past year, according to new data published by the Devon Climate Emergency (DCE) partnership.
The figures show that emissions across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay have fallen by 29 per cent since 2010, with the latest reductions driven largely by improvements in transport and the built environment. Transport emissions fell by one per cent between 2022 and 2023, while emissions from buildings dropped by eight per cent as more households and businesses made the switch to renewable energy.
Claire Pearce, chair of the Devon Climate Taskforce, welcomed the progress. She said: “The four per cent reduction in Devon’s carbon footprint between 2022 and 2023 is an encouraging step forward and a testament to the collective efforts across the county.
“The establishment of clear priorities for action this year is a welcome recognition of the need to stay in Devon’s carbon budget, and that to do so, the pace of change still needs to accelerate.
“The Devon Carbon Plan provides a clear roadmap for action, and we now have an opportunity to build on this momentum.
“By continuing to prioritise sustainable transport, renewable energy, home retrofit and community-led climate solutions, we can drive deeper emissions cuts and ensure Devon remains a leader in tackling the climate emergency.”
The data reflects the impact of local measures already in place, including the reopening of the Dartmoor Line between Exeter and Okehampton and the introduction of the Energy Saving Devon advice phone line. Further initiatives, such as the planned rollout of zero-emission buses, are expected to contribute to future reductions.
Despite exceeding its carbon budget by nine per cent between 2018 and 2022, Devon’s long-term trend remains positive, with new priorities set by the DCE to accelerate emissions cuts. These include additional support for home retrofits, promoting electric vehicle uptake and ensuring planning policies favour renewable energy projects.
Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, cabinet member for climate change, biodiversity and transport at Devon County Council, said: “Devon County Council is proud to host the secretariat of the Devon Climate Emergency partnership, working alongside Devon’s other local authorities and organisations to drive down emissions and build a more sustainable future.
“This latest reduction in Devon’s carbon footprint is a clear sign that change is happening - but we know we must go further and faster.
“As a council, we are embedding climate action into our own operations, supporting communities to make low-carbon choices, and enabling the infrastructure needed for a net-zero Devon.
“Together, through collaboration and ambition, we can meet the goals of the Devon Carbon Plan - indeed we must, to ensure a thriving, climate-resilient county for generations to come.”
The DCE says it remains committed to supporting local action and innovation as the county works towards cutting emissions in half by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
( Photos: Gail Sheppard 📸 )