This Strategy is a 10-year plan which aims to coordinate the changes that are required for our whole District to become net zero for carbon emissions by 2050, in line with the national target.

This Strategy is a 10-year plan which aims to coordinate the changes that are required for our whole District to become net zero for carbon emissions by 2050, in line with the national target.

It will also prepare us for the changes that are already happening to the climate, such as more flooding and drought.

Having your say

Across the summer of 2023, we engaged with residents, businesses, and other organisations on the contents of a draft Strategy. The response was great and lots of useful information was provided. Overall, the consultation and engagement confirmed that the draft Strategy addressed the main climate action concerns of the community.

As a result of the feedback some changes have been made, such as greater prominence to water issues. There are now two actions relating specifically to water which will contribute to reducing water consumption and flood risk, as well as improving water quality.

Other changes related to feedback from businesses, such as supporting them to change their cars and vans to electric vehicles, and for the waste that they produce to be used by other businesses to make products.

What does the Strategy cover?

Our Climate Action Strategy covers energy, buildings, transport, and waste as well as land use and water. Many people identified the importance of improving public transport, as well as infrastructure for cycling and walking, and enhancing green spaces for wildlife and joining up habitats.

These goals and actions are included in the document. For example, Wilder Horsham District is a major Council initiative in partnership with Sussex Wildlife Trust, which is working with communities and farmers to enhance wildlife and join up habitats.

Involving local councils

The Council has already started on some of the actions in the Strategy, such as setting up a network for Parish and Neighbourhood Councils to support their work on tackling climate change. Support and information for businesses is also being increased, with a new online platform being launched in the spring.

Over the coming year more actions will be started. An important part of this will be providing more information on how everyone can play their part and encouraging other organisations to take action.

Find out more

You can read the Climate Action Strategy and stay up to date with the latest climate news at: www.horsham.gov.uk/climate-and-environment.

Here, you will find out about climate actions taking place across the District, a Climate Action blog, plus information on local events, as well as advice and tips on actions everyone can take to help tackle climate change.