Climate action continues across the council

In December 2022, Brighton & Hove was commended for city-wide action to tackle the climate and biodiversity emergencies by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). The CDP scores over 1,000 cities around the world from A to D-, to guide them on their journey to net zero.  

The report noted that Brighton & Hove has demonstrated best practice standards for climate adaptation – adjusting to the current and future effects of climate change – and climate mitigation – reducing greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. 

Over the past 3 months, we have been continuing efforts to reduce emissions, protect nature, and progress towards our goal of becoming a carbon neutral city by 2030.  

What we’ve done 

• Our 2022 Air Quality Annual Status Report found that air quality in key areas of Brighton & Hove is improving 

• Pupils at Westdene school created a new biodiversity space to encourage wildlife and insects 

• We shared a selection of low-waste Christmas tips and ideas to help residents save money, energy and transport costs, give stuff new life and be kinder to the planet 

• A plan to manage the city’s downland estate for the next 100 years was approved by the Policy & Resources Committee and endorsed by the South Downs National Park Authority 

• We announced the new provider for BTN BikeShare and donated 480 bikes from the old fleet to charities supporting communities in Africa 

• We secured almost £200,000 in government funding to encourage active travel and provide better walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure 

• We introduced 2 new cheaper bus fare offers for young people under 19 

• Councillors met to discuss expanding the city’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure 

• We published a report about the Wilder Verges pilot project which helped to improve biodiversity in Brighton & Hove 

• We hosted free workshops to teach people how to repair, reuse and upcycle and launched a Make Materials Matter Challenge to to help reduce waste and boost recycling 

• We began planting 14,000 tree whips across Brighton & Hove as part of our work to regenerate woodlands that have been devastated by ash dieback 

A healthier city for all 

Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty, leader of the council, said: “The urgency has not disappeared to take all steps to address the climate and biodiversity emergencies since we launched our Carbon Neutral 2030 programme. That work continues in earnest with a huge range of actions.   

“David Attenborough’s Wild Isles programme this week has reminded us of the precious nature in Sussex. In recent months, the planting of 14,000 trees across our countryside, historic investment in street tree planting and boosting biodiversity along some of the city’s verges has given nature breathing space in Brighton & Hove.   

“Air quality improvements, the re-launch of the BTN BikeShare scheme and plans to expand the city’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure will ensure a healthier city for all to enjoy.  

“We have secured funding to make it easier and safer to choose walking and cycling for local journeys, while our Bus Service Improvement Plan means free bus journeys for accompanied under 19s.  

“We are taking the next steps in a ‘Mini- Holland’ feasibility scheme which will assess how Wish and Westbourne neighbourhoods can be made as pedestrian- and cycle-friendly as possible. 

“However, we still have our work cut out and must continue to work together with residents and organisations across the city to slow down and prevent the devastating effects of the climate crisis.”