The United Nations is holding the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP) to address climate change in Baku, Azerbaijan between 11-22 November 2024.
To mark COP29, the Council is sharing the progress it has made to tackle the climate emergency and actions taken towards meeting the Net Zero 2040 target through the delivery of the Net Zero Delivery Plan 2022-2025. Key achievements include:-
- Decarbonisation of four buildings – River Alt Resource Centre, Court Hey Park, Huyton Library and Kirkby Leisure Centre.
- Replacing streetlighting lanterns with LED equivalents, with 80% completed to date. Once the programme is finished in September 2025, it is anticipated to deliver a carbon saving on 2.917 tonnes CO2 per year.
- Development of a Local Cycling Walking Infrastructure Plan that will set out active travel schemes aimed for delivery over the next 10 years. In addition to providing healthier travel modes, this will also assist in reducing carbon emissions.
- Introduction of electric vehicles to the Council’s fleet and trialled electric grounds maintenance equipment.
- Working closely with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to access funding for the installation of electric vehicle charging points across the Borough.
- Planted 2.2 Hectares of woodland with funding secured from Mersey Forests ‘Grow Back Greener’ scheme.
- Partnered with Mersey Rivers Trust on a Natural Flood Management Project.
Building on the success of the Net Zero Delivery Plan, Knowsley Council will develop a new Climate Emergency Action Plan for 2026 to 2030.
Cllr Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, said “I’m delighted with the progress we have made so far on our Net Zero Delivery Plan and look forward to seeing this work continue.
“It’s important that we all play a role to reduce our carbon footprint, to make a real difference in the fight against climate change and protect the environment for future generations.”
You can help to reduce your carbon footprint by:-
Reducing Waste
Reducing waste is one of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint. It can be as simple as making small changes in your food shop, such as buying less red meat, reducing the plastic-wrapped goods you consume, or using a reusable bag.
Cycle or walk to work or school
Changing the way we travel is a great way to lower your carbon footprint. The Trans Pennine Trail runs through Knowsley, with plenty of access points so you can walk or cycle to work. If you fancy getting out on your bike, plan your journey by using the Knowsley cycle map. Cycle maps for all other Merseyside districts Halton, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral, are also available from Merseytravel.
Look after your local parks and green spaces
Knowsley has four borough parks and 17 local parks and natural spaces. These green spaces play a key role in capturing and storing carbon, and helping to mitigate climate change. Community groups and residents play a vital part in maintaining these green spaces, helping to improve biodiversity and conserving the spaces so that they’re here for future generations. Find out how you can make a difference in your local park or green space here.