By KLTV Newsdesk –

Global recognition for environmental leadership as Kirklees joins top-ranking cities in tackling climate change

Kirklees Council has once again been awarded an ‘A’ grade for climate action by the globally recognised Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), placing it among the top 112 cities and districts worldwide for leadership in addressing climate change.

The Council first achieved ‘A City’ status in 2023 and has now maintained its top score for a second consecutive year.

The annual CDP ratings assess how local authorities across the world are reducing emissions, adapting to climate risks, and planning for a greener future.

Transparent Climate Reporting Since 2019

Following the declaration of a climate emergency in 2019, Kirklees Council committed to transparent, annual reporting through CDP.

The CDP-ICLEI Track platform allows cities and districts to demonstrate and monitor their environmental progress, helping to shape accountable and effective climate policy.

To receive an A rating, councils must complete a set of rigorous requirements including:

• A public emissions inventory

• A published climate action plan

• A climate risk and vulnerability assessment

• A climate adaptation goal

‘A List’ cities like Kirklees are shown to be taking four times as many climate mitigation and adaptation actions compared to lower-ranked areas.

Council’s Ongoing Commitment Recognised

Councillor Tyler Hawkins, Cabinet Member for Highways and Waste, welcomed the news: “To hear that we have been awarded an ‘A’ score yet again, is brilliant news. This places us alongside leading cities across the globe.

“The score is testament to officers across the council for continuing to consider our environmental impact at every step, and especially to our dedicated climate team.

“This shows the council’s continued commitment to tackling climate change, and an understanding that everyone has a part to play.

“Taking steps for the climate emergency and committing to Net Zero by 2038 doesn’t only benefit the climate, it strengthens our local economy and improves the towns and villages in which we live and work.”

Action Across the District

Kirklees Council’s climate leadership is underpinned by its Environment Strategy, Everyday Life, which sets out bold ambitions for a greener and cleaner borough.

Recent actions taken by the Council include:

• Investment in electric vehicle infrastructure, to make electric transport more accessible

• Establishing the Sustainable Fleet Board, to reduce emissions from council vehicles

• Decarbonising public buildings, contributing to projects like the Huddersfield Heat Network

• Working with One Community and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to deliver climate grants to local organisations

• Partnering with Calderdale Council and key stakeholders to support a landscape recovery project aimed at increasing biodiversity, managing extreme weather, and enhancing public access to green spaces

A Greener Future for People and Wildlife

These initiatives not only reduce emissions but also aim to improve the natural environment across Kirklees, supporting wildlife and enhancing quality of life for local residents.

To learn more about how Kirklees Council is responding to the climate emergency, and how residents can get involved, visit the Council’s climate action pages online.