UK heatwave showed urgency needed in tackling climate change, says Hampshire councillor

Last week temperatures across the UK reached 40 degrees Celsius for the first time in history, with scientists pointing towards climate change as the reason behind the steady year-on-year increase in temperature.

Hampshire County Council’s executive member for climate change, Councillor Jan Warwick, believes it showcased just how much more work needs to be done.

She said: ‘Without doubt, the recent heatwave has heightened in our consciousness, the urgent need to combat climate change.

‘As I say repeatedly, councils cannot tackle climate change alone.

‘Many residents, communities, and businesses are already taking action, but we must go further together.’

The county council is currently halfway through a two-year climate reduction plan, in a bid to slash more than a thousand tonnes of carbon emissions.

With £1.2m being spent, the county council’s fleet of vehicles has switched from petrol and deisel to a hydrotreated vegetable oil, while also providing solar panels and LED lights to village halls and community buildings across Hampshire.

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Cllr Warwick said: ‘It is clear that this stand alone climate change programme has enabled ideas and innovations to be tried and tested to determine their effectiveness.

‘Through this work, we are able establish ourselves as a role model on climate change action because it allows us the opportunity to explore ideas, new technologies and initiatives that can inspire action by partners and residents across the county.

‘While many of the projects are currently pilot schemes, if they prove to be viable, they have the potential to stimulate long-term sustainable change.’