ABERDEEN City Council has been recognised as one of the top ten single-tier councils in the UK, securing joint second place in Scotland, for its proactive efforts in combating climate change, as per the assessment conducted by Climate Emergency UK.
In the evaluation process, councils were scrutinised using Climate Action Scorecards, where Aberdeen achieved an impressive score of 55%, surpassing the UK average of 35%. The highest score was awarded to Westminster City Council, which achieved a score of 62%.
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Aberdeen City Council’s Co-Leader, Councillor Ian Yuill, emphasised the significance of this achievement while proving the need for continued action.
He stated, “The Council’s high placing on the Climate Action Scorecards highlights the scale of action it has already taken. Much more, though, remains to be done. Every individual, business, and organisation can play their part in tackling the climate and nature emergencies. We can all help make a real difference. One way individuals and organisations active in Aberdeen can show their commitment to meeting the challenge of the climate and nature emergencies is to sign the Aberdeen Climate and Nature Pledge, committing to take action to help the city reach its climate and nature ambitions.”
Councillor Miranda Radley, Vice Convener for Net Zero, Environment, and Transport, emphasised the holistic impact of climate action, stating, “Tackling climate change not only affects the environment but also delivers social and economic benefits to the local economy, equity, and jobs. Partnership working is the only way to achieve our ambitious climate goals. I am pleased that progress and collaboration have resulted in the Council placing so highly on the Climate Action Scorecard.”
Climate Emergency UK, in its pursuit to measure councils’ success following their climate action declarations, introduced the Climate Action Scorecards in 2022. In the second year of assessment, councils were evaluated using 91 questions across seven essential sections, including Buildings and Heat, Transport, Planning, Governance and Finance, Biodiversity, Collaboration and Engagement, and Waste Reduction and Food.
Aberdeen City Council’s commendable position highlights the city’s dedication to environmental sustainability and underscores the vital role of collective efforts in addressing climate and nature emergencies.