Leeds aims to become carbon neutral by 2020

Thursday, 11 April 2019 16:00

Leeds can become a carbon neutral city by 2050—and could potentially achieve the 2030 target in the climate emergency motion passed by councillors on 27 March—according to a new “carbon roadmap” report published by the Leeds Climate Commission.

The science-based roadmap report, produced by a team led by Andy Gouldson, Chair of the Leeds Climate Commission and Professor of Environmental Policy at the University of Leeds, sets out the emissions targets required for the city to become carbon neutral by 2050 in line with the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC).

For Leeds, that means cutting its 2005 level of emissions by 70% by 2025, 85% by 2030 and then to zero by 2050.

Last month, council members voted in favour of declaring a ‘climate emergency’ and signing up to science-based carbon reduction targets. It also resolved to work to make Leeds carbon neutral by 2030 and called on central government to provide the funding and powers to make this possible.

Andy Gouldson, Chair of Leeds Climate Commission, said: “The good news is that it is technically, and to a large extent, economically possible for Leeds to become a carbon neutral city and meet the carbon reduction targets in line with the global targets set out by the United Nations.

“However, those measures will only take us so far. We need to go further and employ a range of innovative measures to close the gap – and if we step up to the challenge and do all of those, we could close that gap and get to zero by 2050.

“The council’s White Paper Motion is even more ambitious and wants the city to work towards being carbon neutral by 2030. We’ve demonstrated that if Leeds as a city is prepared to rethink the way we use energy, move around and consume some key products this could be doable.”

More from Local and National News

Leeds Man Jailed for 12 Years After Horrific Campaign of Domestic Abuse

A Leeds woman has bravely spoken out in court after suffering extreme physical and psychological abuse from Nathan Russell, who has now been jailed for 12 years.
MK’s Most Popular Library Expands with Flexible Spaces for All

Milton Keynes Central Library is undergoing major updates: more public computers, flexible book storage, a dedicated study area and larger children’s zone make it more adaptable and inclusive.
West Yorkshire Police Officer Charged with Sexual Assault

A 43-year-old West Yorkshire Police officer has been charged with three counts of sexual assault relating to incidents in York city centre.
Millions of Tenants Protected Under New Awaab’s Law Reforms

From 27 October, new housing safety rules known as Awaab’s Law come into force — compelling social landlords to fix emergency hazards within 24 hours and protect millions of tenants from dangerous conditions like black mould.
Bradford Expands ‘New York’ Style Housing First Approach to Tackle Homelessness

Bradford Council is expanding its successful Housing First programme — inspired by New York and proven in Finland — to offer ten more places, helping more people with complex needs move from homelessness into stable, supported housing.
Kensington Palace Marks 150th Birthday of Punjabi Princess and Suffragette Sophia Duleep Singh

A major new exhibition, The Last Princesses of Punjab, will open at Kensington Palace on 26 March 2026 to celebrate the 150th birthday of Princess Sophia Duleep Singh — the trailblazing Punjabi royal and suffragette — exploring the lives of the remarkable women who shaped her story.
SENDIVERSE Festival Unites Bradford Through Creativity and Inclusion

A celebration of creativity and belonging, The Leap’s SENDIVERSE Festival brought together over 1,700 people across Bradford for a series of inclusive arts and cultural events designed with and for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
Appeal After Man Seriously Injured in Burnley Collision

Police are appealing for information after a man in his 20s was seriously injured in a crash on Crown Point Road, Burnley.
Bradford Police Seize 93 Weapons as Knife Crime Falls

A weapons amnesty in Bradford led to 93 knives and weapons being taken off the streets, contributing to a major drop in youth knife crime.
Multibillion Economic Vision for Leeds to Create 100,000 Jobs

Leeds has unveiled a £20 billion economic plan aiming to create 100,000 new jobs and boost key sectors including finance, tech, and health.
Building at Bradford Royal Infirmary Renamed in Honour of Renowned Surgeon

Bradford Royal Infirmary has renamed the Listening for Life Centre after pioneering ear surgeon Professor Chris Raine MBE, who has restored hearing for hundreds across the North of England.
Airedale Nurse Shortlisted for National Neonatal Award

Airedale NHS Foundation Trust nurse Chloe Taylor has been named a finalist for Neonatal Nurse of the Year, recognising her work supporting families through trauma-informed care.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

Legal Show

Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.
Alim OnAir

Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.
Remix Saturdays

Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm
Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm