AN ambitious Strategy guiding the region to a sustainable future has been formally adopted by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (YNYCA).
The Strategy for a Sustainable Future lays out how the region could transition to low carbon energy sources and support the environment, while adapting to the challenges of climate change and rising energy costs.
It’s adoption by the Combined Authority’s Cabinet comes after collaborative development with regional organisations and local authorities, and an eight-week public consultation.
York and North Yorkshire Mayor, David Skaith said: "Becoming the first carbon negative county in England is no mean feat, but it will bring down bills and make York and North Yorkshire a cleaner, greener place for everyone.
"This plan sets out how we'll create new community owned energy infrastructure, better protecting local people from rising prices and global shocks, bring down our county's emissions, and tackle climate change to protect and restore the countryside that we're so proud of."
The document details how York and North Yorkshire could be England’s first carbon negative region by 2040, based on four strategic pillars. These include securing energy independence through support for locally-owned, affordable energy sources such as the potential of natural, underground geothermal heat.
The plan also aims to support the environment by ‘harnessing the power of nature’ to capture carbon, improve biodiversity and support resilience to flooding, wildfire and water shortages, through methods such as regenerative agriculture, rewilding and moorland restoration.
A focus on building the county's climate resilience encourages adapting communities, economy, and environment to continue to thrive in the face of climate uncertainty.
Both City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council have been closely involved in the development of the Strategy, as well as the region’s national parks and organisations committed to the transition.
Cllr Jenny Kent, Environment and Climate Lead for YNYCA and Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency at City of York Council, said: "York and North Yorkshire have already made strides in reducing emissions and adapting for the future. Through home insulation programmes, improving the energy efficiency of council buildings and increasing renewable generation, we're helping to cut carbon while supporting communities with rising energy costs.
“But as this summer’s wildfires and drought show, we need a step change to ensure our region will flourish, despite extreme weather.
"We're proud to have helped develop this Strategy alongside partners to do just that. It sets out a shared plan for a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future for our communities, businesses and environment."
North Yorkshire Council’s leader, Cllr Carl Les, who is a member of the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, said: “We are committed to reducing carbon dioxide emissions from across our services from lighting streets and heating leisure centres to collecting waste and carrying out maintenance of our roads network.
“We are doing this by using less energy, delivering services more efficiently, improving our local areas and protecting the natural environment, while reducing costs and saving money for our council taxpayers.
“The Strategy for a Sustainable Future is a blueprint for us to work with our partners and aim for York and North Yorkshire to become England’s first carbon negative region by 2040.”
The strategy also details how the county can better reuse resources, keeping products and materials in use while eliminating waste and pollution from homes and businesses.
Sue Jefferson, Co-founder and Director of Circular Malton & Norton, said: "Smart sustainable strategies ensure social and economic benefits alongside environmental gains.
“It has been encouraging to see this mindset taken fully on board by council and combined authority officers, elected leaders and the breadth of independent organisations offering input.
“The final shape of York & North Yorkshire's Strategy for a Sustainable Future embraces such thinking so offering real and relevant opportunities for every resident and business in this region."
Henrietta Stock, Co-Chair for York Climate Commission, said: “In York, we know that people want a healthy future, with warm, comfortable homes and clean city air.
“As York Climate Commission we therefore welcome the Combined Authority's commitment to an ambitious and holistic approach to adapting to the changing climate and transitioning to a low carbon future.
“We were pleased that our members were able to collaborate to help shape the strategy, ensuring the needs of those who live, work and visit York are reflected in the region's approach.”
YNYCA will now be working with partners to deliver the Strategy and ensure it is embedded across the region.
To find out more, head to the Strategy for a Sustainable Future web page or read the full Stratgy here