A DISTRICT councillor has joined dozens of other local authority leaders from across the UK in signing up to UK100’s ‘Net Zero Pledge’.

Councillor Emily Smith signed up to the pledge following a motion agreed at the Vale of White Horse District Council meeting on October 6. By signing the pledge and joining UK:100, the Vale is now part of a national network that gives local government leaders greater influence and resources in tackling the climate emergency and carries out ambitious and cost-effective plans for the transition to clean energy that involve the public and business communities.

Councillor Emily Smith, leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “Tackling the climate emergency is a key priority for Vale of White Horse District Council. We need to work together and learn from each other if we are to find workable and effective solutions to meet our carbon neutral targets.

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“Ahead of the world climate summit COP26 in Glasgow next week, joining UK:100 puts us in a much better position to share knowledge with those who face similar issues. We will be part of a wider community that works together to bring about genuine change, while helping to ensure that our own ambitions and ideas also result in meaningful action.

“Signing the Net Zero Pledge also re-affirms our commitment to becoming a carbon neutral council by 2030 and carbon neutral district by 2045, well ahead of government targets."

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