Dorset

How the warming stripes work

Each stripe represents the average temperature for a single year, relative to the average temperature over the period as a whole. Shades of blue indicate cooler-than-average years, while red shows years that were hotter than average. The stark band of deep red stripes on the right-hand side of the graphic show the rapid heating in recent decades.

Climate emergency declared

May 2019

Local net-zero target date

2050

Climate Action Plan published

July 2020

Climate Action Plan scope

Plan covers entire local area

What can we do?

As we know, the climate crisis is already here. The good news is that most of the solutions exist today. What’s really needed is more people to join in locally to make a bigger difference together.

  View the Climate Action Plan

CO2 emissions

It's hard to visualise CO2 emissions. The data talks about 'tonnes of CO2' - but what does a tonne of gas look like? Well, imagine a typical large hot air balloon (almost 3,000 cubic metres in volume). One tonne of CO2 would fill one of these hot air balloons.

Additional local carbon emissions

Carbon emissions embedded in the imported goods we consume locally are typically not counted. However, these goods are produced and then transported here because of our consumer demands. Imported emissions are so big they should not be hidden*.

* Note: Imported emissions are estimated based on the Total UK Goods & Services Greenhouse Gases imported emissions (Defra UK's Carbon Footprint 2016: 353mt CO2 eq) pro-rated based on Local Authority population size and assumed equal per capita consumption of imported goods and services across all Local Authorities.

CO2 emissions in total

1,541,998 tonnes

People in the local area

379,791

CO2 per person per year

4.1 tonnes

Additional local carbon emissions

2,007,227 tonnes

Source: BEIS Local Authority territorial CO2 emissions within the scope of influence of Local Authorities (2020).

Local carbon emissions by sector

In getting to net zero as quickly as possible, we need to look at how we do things differently in every sector.

(000t)

2018
2019
2020

High-impact, low-carbon initiatives

Total published on Carbon Copy across the UK: 1046 See all Initiatives

There are some amazing collaborations between local councils, communities and companies. Some examples in/around Dorset:

Discounted Solar Panels Scheme Around Bridport

Allowing more people the opportunity to have solar panels installed on their homes, at a lower cost.

Dorset
  • Carbon emissions
  • Energy

Dorset Greener Homes

Showcasing solutions to low carbon living with help from householders.

Dorset
  • Carbon emissions
  • Tech & Innovation
  • Waste
  • Built Environment
  • Biodiversity & Nature
  • Energy

The Edible Garden Project

Engaging and educating children about healthy eating; learning how to grow, cook and eat fresh veg.

Dorset
  • Excessive consumption
  • Food security & supply
  • Health & wellbeing
  • Biodiversity & Nature
  • Land Use, Food & Agriculture

Marlborough Community Fridge

Reducing food waste

Wiltshire
  • Excessive consumption
  • Health & wellbeing
  • Waste
  • Circular Economy
  • Biodiversity & Nature

Black & Green Ambassadors

Ensuring the environmental movement is inclusive and representative.

Bristol
  • Greater fairness
  • Biodiversity & Nature

Stroud Renewable Energy

Installing new solar installations and onshore wind power.

Stroud
  • Carbon emissions
  • Energy

Stroud Settlement Hierarchy For Sustainable Transport

Reducing car journeys with help from a settlement hierarchy planning tool.

Stroud
  • Air pollution
  • Carbon emissions
  • Transport
  • Built Environment

CIL Green Plan Funding

Using the Community Infrastructure Levy to fund green plans.

South Gloucestershire
  • Biodiversity loss
  • Carbon emissions
  • Finance
  • Transport