Climate emergency

>> Narrator: You may have noticed in the last decade flooding in Calderdale has been worse than ever before. Worryingly this is a pattern that is also seen across the world as extreme weather events are on the rise. Perhaps your family and friends in other countries have experienced heatwaves or forest fires. All of this is a direct result of climate change.

The main cause of climate change is carbon dioxide. It is released into the environment when we burn fossil fuels like petrol, diesel, gas and coal. It warms our atmosphere. It is this warming that increases our risk of extreme weather.

Climate change is a global issue, but we all have a role to play in protecting our planet. In Calderdale we've pledged to become net zero by 2038. To get to net zero, we must cut our carbon emissions to an amount that trees and moorlands can absorb. Reducing the energy we use at home and using our cars less often are great first steps. There are other things we can do together to make a difference too. Reducing the amount of meat and dairy food we eat. Working to restore nature. Insulating our homes and switching to clean renewable energy are just a few examples.

People from all walks of life are stepping up to tackle climate change. Now we need your help, visit calderdale . gov . uk / climate emergency

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We are taking climate change seriously

We have made great progress in Calderdale, as we:

• Hit our historic target of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 40% by 2020.
• Declared a bold and ambitious target of net zero emissions by 2038 and mapped out a path to get us there.
• Invested in a range of net zero projects to tackle the climate emergency in the borough.
• Work with the Community Foundation for Calderdale (CFFC) on a joint £1 million Climate Emergency Fund.

To find out more, please see our video: Tackling the Climate Emergency in Calderdale.

We have set out the steps we need to take to meet our ambitious target of net zero emissions by 2038.

Emissions Reduction Pathway for the Borough(PDF 1.5MB)

This 'roadmap' shows how to cut our fossil fuel use with clean technology and investment in communities.

It focuses on the key themes of transport, buildings/technology, land use and diverse biology.

It will be used to create a Climate Action Plan for the borough with specific actions and dates for delivery.

What causes climate change?

Some chemicals like refrigerants and fertilisers, but the main culprit is the Carbon Dioxide (CO2).

This is released into the environment when we burn fossil fuels (petrol, diesel, gas and coal).

• Some CO2 is also released when we burn wood;
• or from moorland that has been damaged and is in an unhealthy state.

Why is climate change important?

The latest scientific data is clear, humans have caused climate change.

The earth is around 1.2 degrees centigrade warmer than it was in pre-industrial times.

This change means extreme weather, such as flooding, heatwaves and moorland wildfires are more likely.

How does climate change affect us in Calderdale?

In Calderdale, our geography makes us vulnerable to flooding.

You may have noticed that the number and severity of floods in Calderdale have greatly increased over the last decade.

This is a direct result of climate change.

How quickly do we need to act?

Every bit of 'warming' increases the risk of extreme weather, so it is important to act quickly.

Scientists agree that 1.5 degrees centigrade of warming is the limit before we reach big system changes.

This could mean the total melting of the icecaps and dangerous mass climatic shifts.

Projections show that we will exceed 1.5 degrees by 2050.

To stop this happening we need to become net zero before this date.

What is net zero?

This means finding a balance between the greenhouse gases that:

• A person or organisation puts into the atmosphere;
• and those that are 'taken out'.

It is making sure that for all the gases put in the air, the same amount is removed.

This makes you carbon 'neutral'.

How do we become net zero?

The first step to becoming net zero is to avoid emitting carbon in the first place. We can do this by:

• Cutting our use of fossil fuel;
• switching to clean renewable energy;
• and reducing the amount of energy we use.

In practice, this looks like insulating a house, using the car less often and reducing food waste for example.

As a last step, there are ways to neutralise or 'offset' any other emissions that cannot be avoided. This can be done in a number of ways, like planting trees.

Currently, we burn so many fossil fuels that nature cannot keep up.

What targets do we have for climate change in Calderdale?

The UK has set a target of being net zero by 2050.

Here we are going above and beyond this. We have set a target of being net zero by 2038, with major progress by 2030.

What is the Council doing to tackle climate change?

We are proud to be taking the lead locally. We deliver and support a range of projects and schemes as part of our climate emergency response.

For more details, please see: Calderdale's path to zero carbon.

The Calderdale Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP) looks for ways to reduce our emissions and reach net zero by 2038. It is the first of its kind in West Yorkshire and will help to drive regional net zero efforts.

The plan uses energy data to find projects that we can implement to reduce energy use. This will help to create warmer and more efficient buildings.

Read the plan to see what projects are needed in your neighbourhood.

Calderdale Local Area Energy Plan(PDF 5.2MB)

The climate emergency cannot be tackled by one person. However, we can all play our part from changing the food that we eat to how we get around.

Get involved

• Personal actions can reduce your footprint and encourage greater action on climate change. The Grantham Institute has a list of the top 9 things individuals can do.
• Think about your own footprint by using the WWF calculator.

Learn more

• The Inter governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). This is the United Nations body that looks at the science around climate change.
• The Committee on Climate Change. These give independent advice to the UK Government on building a low-carbon economy and being ready for climate change.
• The West Yorkshire mayor has launched a plan to tackle the climate and environment emergency in our region.

Calderdale Data Works

Here you can find 'open data' that is free for anyone to use and republish, as they wish.

• There is a range of climate data, such as air quality and CO2 emissions.
• Use our data, share your ideas, read our stories and submit your data.
• Help build a bigger, richer picture of Calderdale.

For more about this, visit: Data Works.

Watch: Giving youth a voice on climate change (YouTube).

This film describes how Calderdale's young people have a voice on climate change.

UK Youth Council

This gives young people aged 11 to 18 years a voice, listened to by local, regional and national government.

The Climate Emergency is a priority for the Youth Council in Calderdale.

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Clean air

Work is underway to ensure clean air for all Calderdale residents, workers and visitors.

• See what parents at Savile Park Primary think about roads at the school becoming School Streets, visit: School Streets (YouTube).
• Also see our news item: Clean air for all in Calderdale.

Halifax Community Fridge - Supporting the community and tackling food waste

For an amazing community effort that helps protect the environment, watch Halifax Community Fridge's video:

• Supporting the community and tackling food waste (YouTube).

Case study: Northern Broadsides

Northern Broadsides, a theatre company from Halifax, is focusing on local community engagement. They received £39,600 from Community Climate Grants programme to run the "Iron People" project. This project uses theatre and creative activities inspired by Ted Hughes' stories. These stories connect people with the environment and inspire climate action.

The project includes free events across Calderdale, such as acting workshops, river walks, family creativity days, and art-building sessions. These activities aim to engage communities with low involvement in the arts. They encourage people to think about their local environment and how they can help protect it.

A key highlight will be a closing event at Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, marking the end of Calderdale’s Year of Culture. The project also supports Northern Broadsides' efforts to reduce their environmental impact. An internal Environmental Policy and Action Plan guide their activities.

By offering diverse, free activities within communities, Northern Broadsides is reaching groups that typically don't engage with the arts. The project has helped establish new partnerships and networks. This has led to further funding options and plans for ongoing local cultural engagement in Calderdale. 

Calder Valley Community Land Trust

These provide affordable homes that are sustainable, energy-efficient and flood resilient. Low carbon buildings are cheaper to run and warmer.

For more about this, watch their video: Creating affordable, sustainable and resilient homes (YouTube).

Home energy efficiency

Find out how your house can be more energy efficient to cut bills and carbon emissions. Visit: Home Energy West Yorkshire.

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The Re:fit Project

Previous funding through the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme has enabled us to cut energy use at:

• Bankfield Museum;
• Spring Hall;
• Brighouse Library and Art Gallery;
• Halifax Town Hall;
• Manor Heath Jungle Experience;
• Todmorden Market Hall;
• and Todmorden Sports Centre.

Three more of our buildings could become more energy efficient, as part the work to cut emissions across the borough. This would include:

• Air source heat pump and LED stage lighting at the Victoria Theatre and an increase in capacity to the substation.
• Air source heat pump and a new substation at Halifax Borough Market.
• Air source heat pump and solar panels at Beechwood Road Library.

Case study: Cozydale

The Cozydale project aimed to raise awareness about the benefits of insulation by retrofitting community buildings. It focused on training volunteers to improve their skills in retrofitting. Key objectives included increasing knowledge and skills among participants, while engaging diverse groups such as refugees and women.

The project was funded by the Mayor of West Yorkshire’s Climate Community Grants Scheme. It took place in the Park and Warley wards. The project emphasised the use of natural materials on older stone houses to prevent moisture issues. The course was offered at no cost to guarantee accessibility for all participants.

Participants gained valuable skills and increased confidence in retrofitting their homes. Participants also went on to start careers in the retrofitting field and formed groups to collaborate on further projects.

A special thank you to the School of Natural Building in Todmorden for their training and advocacy for natural materials. Also TAG Toolhire in Halifax for their equipment donations.

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Greenglade Nursery and Forest School (Hipperholme)

They have gone paperless, keeping digital records and communicating electronically.

The nursery also uses energy-efficient infrared heating and children grow their own vegetables and use an onsite composter.

Watch how this builds resilience and independence, as well as tackling the climate emergency:

• Sustainable business inspiring the next generation (YouTube).

Resource Efficiency Fund

Local businesses can get support and funds for low carbon measures. For details, visit: Resource Efficiency Fund.

Case study: Greenarc

Greenarc, based in Halifax and a sister company of Craggs Energy, helps businesses switch to clean energy. Founded in 2011, they offer support and guidance, sourcing products like solar panels, batteries, and EVs. 

Greenarc assists with funding, achieving industry standards, and measuring carbon footprints. They develop tailored green strategies and track progress through their software.

Contact Greenarc today to start your decarbonisation journey and positively impact your business and the environment.

Case study: Deco-Pak's decarbonisation journey

Deco-Pak, a garden industry supplier in Hipperholme, Brighouse, partnered with Greenarc to reduce their carbon footprint. They assessed operations, set a baseline, and developed a sustainability plan involving employees, customers, and industry associations. The led to reduced energy use, hybrid vehicles, and awards. Deco-pack also aim to cut plastic packaging by 20% by 2025.

Deco-Pak advises businesses to:

• Understand their starting point
• Avoid quick fixes
• Make sustainability a core value to improve market position.

Image shows Chris Bingham, Chairman and CEO, Greenarc (left) and Craig Hall, Director, Deco-Pak (right).

Watch this video to see how businesses in Calderdale are taking climate action:

• Leading the way on green transport (YouTube).

Active Calderdale

Their mission is to work with communities to make physical activity a part of everyday life in Calderdale.

Activity is:

• Great for mental and physical health.
• A travel choice that will reduce our reliance on cars, build our resilience and improves air quality.

"When we move, we're stronger."

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Next Chapter

Through improvements to public transport and active mode infrastructure, we will create:

• Faster and more reliable journeys.
• Cleaner air.
• More jobs.
• Better access to skills.

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Electric cars

These are Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs), unlike most petrol or diesel cars. They help improve air quality as they have zero emissions from the exhaust.

• We have 40 electric or hybrid vehicles to help reduce emissions and we work towards having a full fleet.
• We deliver library books across Calderdale in a cleaner, greener way, cutting the carbon footprint of the Home Library Service.
• We also work with partners to bring rapid chargers for taxis and the public at some car parks.

Case study: Sustainable travel

Rob Bilson, a Grants Manager at CFFC, loves sustainable travel. He began interrailing in 2018, visiting cities like Paris and Vienna. Rob prefers trains for their comfort and eco-friendliness. 

In January 2024, he travelled to Barcelona and Madrid, enjoying the journey and local culture. One memory from this trip was enjoying a Spanish feast with wine in the comfort of a nearly empty carriage. These moments of connection and relaxation are what make train travel so special for Rob.

He advises thorough research and using resources like Seat61.com. Rob sees travel as an adventure and plans future trips to Spain, Istanbul, and Germany.

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Treesponsibility and St Joseph's Catholic Primary Academy

These have teamed up to plant new trees to help the environment.

Watch this short film to see how school children in Todmorden are tackling climate change:

• Making a difference, one tree at a time (YouTube).

Eye On Calderdale

This is a one-stop website for up-to-date information on flooding, weather and traffic disruption.

To find out what is being done to build our resilience against flooding, visit: Calderdale Flood Action Plan.

Natural flood management

People are working together to protect Calderdale from future flooding via natural flood management. To get involved, visit these websites:

• Forus Tree.
• Slowing The Flow.

White Rose Forest

The community forest for North and West Yorkshire. It works with local authorities, landowners, businesses and communities to:

• Increase tree cover across the region.
• Improve our natural environment.

Case study: Landscapes for Water

The Landscapes for Water project is restoring important moorland areas around Calderdale’s reservoirs.

The main goal is to rewet peatlands, which are the UK's biggest natural carbon stores. They are doing this by building leaky dams that hold back water. This helps the peatlands stay wet and store more carbon.

The project also aims to bring back diverse woodlands in the valleys of the moorlands. These areas will support many birds, mammals, fungi, and insects.

Besides helping nature, the restored areas will fight climate change, improve water quality, and protect communities from floods and wildfires.

For more information, visit Landscapes for Water.