Brighton & Hove City Council is looking to be a trailblazer in the fight against climate change though, hopefully, the blaze will emit few greenhouse gases.

The new four-year City Climate Change Strategy focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the challenges and opportunities of climate change.

While bearing in mind the wider global effects of climate change and working with partners across the city, the strategy complements the Council's three priorities of tackling equality, creating a more sustainable city and engaging people who live and work in Brighton & Hove.

The aim is for the city to be a pioneer in the drive towards a low (and ultimately zero) carbon economy. While admitting there is a long way to go before such dramatic reductions can be achieved, the Council believes progress is being made and is committed to finding innovative solutions across the city.

The 2011-2015 strategy is divided into five strands: low carbon economy; low carbon homes and buildings, low carbon transport, renewable and sustainable energy and adapting to climate change.

By reducing CO2 emissions, benefits are expected in reducing fuel poverty, tackling traffic congestion, helping residents and businesses deal with rising fuel costs through energy and transport efficiency; and building innovative solutions for the city through sustainable energy generation in the face of peak oil, energy security concerns and sharp energy price rises, according to Bill Randall, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council.

Brighton & Hove Sustainability Partnership is signed up to the Nottingham Declaration so pledges to address the causes of climate change and prepare the local community for its impacts. They have also explored the principles of One Planet Living. Read the back story about this here.

 What can you do?

Reduce your own carbon emissions by following our energy, food, waste and transport tips.

Embrace a sustainable land ethical ifestyle by following the advice on our Information Sheets.

Use the Council's JourneyOn travel planner to get around Brighton & Hove.