Perth and Kinross Council has officially declared a Climate and Biodiversity Emergency following the presentation of an updated report on the regions Climate Change Strategy.

The Council has already made significant progress in reducing emissions and introducing more sustainable practices, but the report warns greater support is needed if local authorities are to meet expected targets on their journey to Net Zero.

Over the past 12 months we have overseen the creation of a Climate Change commission, expanded our home energy advice services and reduced CO2 emissions from Council buildings by 347 tonnes.

Additionally, the Stick to the Six campaign has seen recycling contamination reduced by 7.2%.

However, the report says more support is necessary from external funders, including national governments, to help local authorities meet their net zero targets.

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It states: "The Council is already investing significant resources in its revenue and capital budgets to adapt its estate to meet the demands of the climate change agenda.

"However, in line with all local authorities, compared to the scale of investment required with the looming statutory intermediate targets, in or around 2030, Council resources will not be sufficient to change the pace of action."

Councillors will also be asked to back proposals for the Council to declare a Climate and Biodiversity Emergency.

Councillor Richard Watters, convenor of the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee, said: "We all want to see a greener, more sustainable Perth and Kinross. Declaring a Climate and Biodiversity Crisis reaffirms our commitment to the Green agenda.

"The Council's Action Plan sets out what we can do to reduce emissions and encourage others to play their part.

"It is clear that more support is necessary if local authorities are to meet the required targets on their journey towards Net Zero by 2045.

"However, we are only responsible for 3% of emissions in Perth and Kinross. Everybody has a role to play in reducing emissions - whether that is householders making sure they sort their recycling or businesses and other organisations moving to new, more sustainable ways of working. We all have a stake in the future of our planet and must work together to address the climate emergency."