What is the "Our Home, Our Future" Climate Action Strategy?
Maldon District Council declared a Climate Emergency in February 2021, this is alongside the 75% of local authorities who have also declared a climate emergency.
As a Local Authority, we have a vital role in supporting the delivery of national net zero targets. As an anchor organisation within the District, the Council is uniquely positioned to provide vision and leadership, raising awareness, influencing behaviour, and driving local action that delivers meaningful environmental benefit. Through our statutory powers and responsibilities, and by working collaboratively with strategic partners, residents and community groups, this strategy sets out how we will fulfil that role.
Following the declaration, the Council developed its approach to climate action, setting out its ambitions and establishing how it would engage residents of all ages, businesses and community organisations to better understand perceptions of climate change and support behaviour change across the district.
In 2023/24, the Council undertook a detailed assessment of its own greenhouse gas emissions. This review identified several structural and operational barriers that would affect the Council’s ability to achieve net zero by 2030, particularly in relation to energy use and transport. As a result, Full Council agreed to revise the Council’s net zero target to 2050, aligning with the Government’s national deadline.
In response, the Council updated its Climate Action Strategy and Action Plan, building on the original framework to establish a coordinated, evidence-led approach focused on high-impact emissions reduction, strengthened governance and partnership working. The Climate Action Strategy and Action Plan is underpinned by both the Council’s operational emissions baseline and the wider district emissions profile and is structured around five Climate Impact Areas: Energy; Travel and Transport; Adaptation and Climate Resilience; Preservation of Resources; and Sustainable Working.
What this means
At a county and national level, there are lots of important climate and energy programmes and initiatives underway to help achieve a collective approach.
The Council already has a number of strategy documents which support the District’s environment, people’s health and activity and which promote Maldon District as a great place to work, live and visit and already helps to protect and enhance the District’s natural resources. Like all local authorities providing services to the public, the Council has several statutory duties to help protect and enhance the local environment. The Our Home, Our Future - Climate Action Strategy and Action Plan 2025-2028 aims to build on the work the Council does and accelerate this through further action and engagement.
The Climate Action Strategy and Action Plan are positive steps in identifying ways to reduce carbon emissions and increase climate resilience across the Maldon District. This includes developing strong climate partnership links, putting our hand up to be the first in line for sustainable transport options, finding ways to support sustainable agriculture, and encourage sustainable development.
Read the full strategy document
Follow the links to view the 'Our Home Our Future' Climate Action Strategy and Action Plan. You can also view the graphic of our Climate Action Achievements for 2023 to 2024.
