‘We have a duty to tackle climate change and make our communities nice, green places to live’

DRIVING CHANGE: Councillor Jack Haines, left, and Martin Budd

By Rick Lyon

Hull City Council has reaffirmed its commitment to reaching net zero as soon as possible, following the recent U-turn by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on green targets.

Mr Sunak has softened the Government’s climate commitments by pushing back the deadlines for selling new petrol and diesel cars and phasing out gas boilers, prompting severe criticism from environmental experts and climate scientists.

The city council, which has reduced its carbon emissions by 45 per cent since 2005, declared a Climate Emergency in 2019 and has set a target of being net zero by 2045.

Councillor Jack Haines, communities, communications and climate change cabinet member, said that, despite Mr Sunak’s controversial policy shift, the council remains steadfast in its own commitments.

He told The Hull Story: “We’re determined to reach our goal of being net zero by 2045, despite the political winds in Westminster changing.

“Even though things might appear differently at a national level, Hull City Council is committed to this aim and we’re not going to be deterred from that. We can’t just kick the can down the road with something as serious as climate change.

“Rishi Sunak’s announcement doesn’t change our stance or our approach. Our residents want to see a greener, cleaner, safer city, and our businesses are still committed to tackling climate change, despite what the prime minister has said.

“We want to set an example and say that we’ll be a city that will do our bit. That comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes – whether that’s electric vehicle infrastructure or home insulation.”

‘THERE’S SO MUCH WORK GOING ON’: Councillor Jack Haines insists Hull City Council is committed to hitting its green targets

Coun Haines stressed the authority has a responsibility to ensure decarbonisation remains a top priority, despite budget pressures elsewhere.

He said: “We invest money in residents’ priorities, such as keeping the city clean and safe. What’s different about the climate change issue is that you’re not necessarily seeing the big changes you might see elsewhere. It’s much more of a slow build, and it’s not particularly visual.

“But there’s so much work going on in the background to make changes that are sustainable and better for our future.

“We have a duty to tackle climate change, and to make our communities nice, green places to live.”

Despite the focus on big changes being implemented by major public and private sector organisations to meet green targets, Coun Haines said it is important everyone plays their part.

“Whether it’s walking to work, if that’s possible, or just filling their recycling bins, everybody can do their bit,” he said: “It doesn’t have to be about grand gestures. Everyday deeds make a difference too.

“It’s about those everyday changes people can make and lobbying those in power, because this is so important, and it’s not going away.

“As a city, we suffered the devastating floods of 2007 and the tidal surge in 2013, so the people of Hull have experience of how adverse climate conditions can affect a place. That’s why we have complete faith in residents to get behind this and help tackle the issue.”

‘WE MUST ACT NOW’: Martin Budd, climate change manager at Hull City Council, is helping lead the authority’s transition to net zero

Climate Change Manager Martin Budd said the council is continuing to investigate opportunities to further reduce its carbon footprint, and insisted time is of the essence.

“It’s about knowing where the opportunities are,” he said. “For example, we can control our own fleet, so we’re working towards that being net zero by 2030. That’s within our gift.

“Similarly, we’re committed to improving the energy efficiency of our corporate buildings and housing stock. Things like supply chains are more difficult.

“Many of the things we’re doing to reach net zero are good things to do anyway. If you can reduce the energy consumption of your buildings and spend less money heating them, that’s a good thing to do.

“The big obstacle is the lack of time we have. The climate has changed, and will continue to change.

“If we were net zero from today, the environment would continue to change for at least another 30 years. We have to take account of the changing climate and invest wisely – and we must do it now.”