A plan of action to tackle climate change in Dundee has been unveiled.

The new Climate Action Plan follows on from the declaration of a climate emergency by Dundee City Council.

The Plan sets out the first round of actions that will be launched to address the global crisis, with partners across the city targeting net-zero greenhouse gas emissions for Dundee by 2045 or sooner.

Launching the Plan today, Wednesday 04 December, Dundee City Council leader Councillor John Alexander said: "The Climate Action Plan has been prepared to set out a first set of ambitious actions in this long-term pathway.

"It is the culmination of collaborative work between our public, private and community organisations, recognising the fact that a concerted city-wide effort is required.

"Preparation of the plan has allowed our public bodies, businesses and community organisations in Dundee to focus their thoughts on the city-wide action plan, which has been finalised following a number of engagement events and public consultation.

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"We are putting forward an initial set of proposals that will bring about practical solutions to reduce emissions from energy use, transport and waste as well as adapting to our changing climate.

"I am also keen that the people of Dundee can play a part in this push and that is why a conference will help maintain momentum."

Representatives from Friends of Earth Tayside, Abertay University, Xplore Dundee, Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce, Dundee Green Health Partnership, Urban Foresight, Michelin / MSIP, DC Thomson, and Dundee Heritage Trust were all welcomed to the launch.

At the event, the companies also found out about plans for a Dundee Climate Change Conference next year to allow interest groups and communities to review progress on the issues.

Commenting on Xplore Dundee's role in the plan, Managing Director Christine McGlasson said: "As the city's main public transport provider, we're acutely aware of our role in this vital strategy to tackle climate change. We're taking action to make our buses an even more attractive and environmentally friendly travel option because we’re determined to play our part, alongside our partners in the city, to reduce emissions, improve air quality and encourage more people to choose sustainable and active transport options.  This kind of significant behaviour change is what's needed to tackle the Climate Emergency and we’re ready for the challenge."

Deirdre Robertson, Director of Dundee Heritage Trust, added: "Dundee Heritage Trust is proud of its track record on sustainability. We hold a green tourism award, have invested heavily in LED and given approval for the siting of Ebikes at both Discovery and Verdant. We are planning a climate change gallery at Discovery and plan to retrofit our building to make it more energy efficient using renewable energy. We have a strong role to play in community leadership and awareness raising in the city's efforts to tackle climate change."

(CM/JG)