Since the industrial revolution, the world has become more reliant on fossil fuels, such as petrol, coal and gas. Burning them releases carbon emissions. We use these fuels and other materials that release emissions to:
- Warm our homes.
- Power our transport.
- Produce food.
- Manufacture the products we use.
It is these emissions that are causing the climate emergency.
Climate change is a global issue, but we all have a role to play to protect our planet.
- In Calderdale, we have set the target to achieve Net Zero by 2038.
- As a first step, we need to greatly reduce our use of fossil fuels. Nature can absorb some of the emissions, but we burn so much that it cannot keep up.
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What net zero is
It is a balance between the carbon we put into and take out of the atmosphere. The first step to become net zero is to avoid emitting carbon.
Our journey so far
In early 2019, we declared a climate emergency. This recognised the threat and challenge that climate change is to Calderdale.
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Where fossil fuels are used
- 51% buildings and technology.
- 41% travel.
- 8% land and land use.
These figures are taken from the 2021 report:
