In the wake of the latest IPCC report, which warned that humanity has 12 years to take emergency action in order to prevent global warming greater than 1.5°C, ICLEI Member Bristol (United Kingdom) has backed an ambitious new pledge for the city to become carbon neutral by 2030 - 20 years earlier than previously agreed.

The motion to move the carbon neutrality target earlier, making it one of the UK and Europe’s most ambitious carbon neutrality targets, was submitted by Green Councillor Carla Denyer.

The motion called for the council to work with partners across Bristol, as well as both national and international governments, in order to achieve its new target for carbon neutrality.

Speaking after the motion was passed, Denyer said: “This is a fantastic day for Bristol and I’m delighted the council will be bringing forward its target for carbon neutrality to 2030.

“We can’t wait for the UN or national governments to negotiate when we have just 12 years to act – we have to show how it’s done and commit to ambitious action at the level of cities.”

Speaking about the motion, Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees, warned that the 2030 target would not be achievable by just the city council working alone, and urged all organisations across the city to work together. It’s not just about making decelerations, but also about coming up with achievable solutions, he added.

For more information about the announcement, click here.