Climate change
Climate change is an existential threat. Extreme weather events have caused damage and destruction in this country and have led to deaths and displacement of thousands of people worldwide. Natural habitats, wildlife and biodiversity are in peril, not only from climate change, but they are being adversely affected by human intervention, which in turn is enhancing the effects of climate change.
Scientists are warning that we have a little over a decade to implement urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions before we reach a global tipping point. Action is required at international, national, local and individual level to achieve the carbon reduction levels needed.
Council greenhouse gas emissions
- 2019/20 – 807t CO2e
- 2020/21 – 586t CO2e
- 2021/22 – 604t CO2e
- 2022/23 – 585t CO2e
- 2023/24 – 561t CO2e
Overall emissions decreased by 4% in 2023-24 compared to the previous year.
More details are available in the DDDC emissions report 2023-24
Tackling climate change is one of the Council’s top priorities. In May 2019 we declared a Climate Emergency and pledged to make the Council carbon neutral by 2030. The Council’s Climate Strategy and Action Plan sets out a potential pathway to achieving this aim.
What have we achieved so far?
- The Council have now installed roof mounted solar PV panels across 3 sites including 355 panels on the roof of the Agricultural Business Centre at Bakewell.
- Our Matlock Town Hall site is now part heated by heat pumps, reducing gas consumption by over 40%
- The Council has delivered grant funded energy efficiency improvements to over 200 homes across the district, reducing fuel poverty and saving 290 tonnes of carbon each year
- We have installed electric vehicle charging points at our depot
- We are planning our third successful ‘Go Green’ event bringing together local businesses residents and community groups committed to finding solutions to the climate crisis
- Our new Corporate Plan for 2024-2028 sets out further details of our climate change commitments and priorities
If you have any queries, questions or ideas please email
