Brighton & Hove declared a climate and biodiversity emergency in December 2018.
The climate is changing
The climate is changing which affects our local environment. The term 'climate change' is often used to talk specifically about man-made climate change which is impacting directly on nature and biodiversity. It is sometimes called global warming and is caused by human activity rather than changes in climate that may just be part of Earth's natural cycle.
Some of the change in climate is out of our control, but we have to be proactive to change what we are in control of. We can reduce our negative impact on the environment and contribute to efforts to meet the 1.5°C target set out in the Paris Agreement.
Impact on us as a coastal city
In Brighton & Hove we are likely to see more extreme weather events like heavy storms and strong winds. We're expecting to experience hotter drier summers and warmer wetter winters which could mean more droughts and more flooding.
In December 2019 part of the Albion groyne collapsed into the sea because of strong wind and rain. There have also been cases of trees falling down because heavy rainfall has caused the roots to loosen, making it easier for strong winds to blow them down.
Paving the way to a carbon neutral future
Brighton & Hove City Council declared a climate and biodiversity emergency in 2018.
In answer to this we made a commitment as a city to become carbon neutral by 2030.
The way we act and the choices we make directly impact the effects of climate change. Reducing our carbon footprint can lead to lasting change around the world.
We’ve created a programme of works that will help residents, visitors and businesses play their part and get the benefits of reaching the 2030 target.
These include an improved and healthier environment for everyone and reducing the impacts of the climate and biodiversity emergency.