As world leaders begin converging on Baku in Azerbaijan this week for the United Nations Climate Change Conference, more commonly known as COP29, Liverpool City Council Leader, Cllr Liam Robinson, outlines the Council’s work to get to net zero.
Put simply, net zero means cutting emissions of fossil fuels, such as gas and oil, to such a small amount that it can be absorbed by nature and other carbon removal measures, leaving zero in the atmosphere.
This means creating an energy system that is based on renewable and sustainable sources, as well as using other clean energy technologies such as electric vehicles and heat networks.
Our Net Zero Liverpool Action Plan sets out the route that Liverpool will be taking to become a net zero city. It is a hugely challenging target, but one that can bring many benefits to residents, businesses and visitors.
In September, I was delighted when we were named the world’s first ‘Accelerator City’ for climate action, under the United Nations Entertainment and Culture for Climate Action programme.
The title recognises Liverpool’s commitment to rapidly decarbonise the live music, TV and film production sectors.
From Thursday 28 November to Saturday 30 November, there will be three gigs featuring British punk band IDLES, the pioneering Massive Attack and the legendary Nile Rodgers & Chic. Each will perform at the M&S Bank Arena with all of the gigs being low carbon and showcasing the ‘gold standard’ of smart design in live music events.
It means, for example, fans being encouraged to bring their own reusable bottles and cups for water and hot drinks, while all food will be served in compostable vegware.
Elsewhere, our streets will soon be transformed to help more residents switch to electric cars by creating charging points from the City’s streetlamps.
A total of 300 streets of terraced houses where it is too difficult for homeowners to install a charging point will be able to recharge using a power point on the streetlamp itself by spring 2025.
Small steps such as this will transform the way we live. Car travel in Liverpool currently adds more than 500,000 tonnes of CO2 into our atmosphere every year. Ensuring a smooth and swift transfer from carbon-burning cars will be a significant leap forward.
And it’s not just the vehicles that drive on our road that will change. The roads themselves will be decarbonised thanks to Live Labs 2, a multi-million pound scheme paid for by the Department of Transport.
Three smaller projects in different parts of the City will test new materials and processes, and recycling of highway materials will reduce environmental impact.
Local government, businesses and residents in our City will make the changes that will see us achieve net zero. But it is vital that people remain engaged and proactive in the process themselves.
That is why we will be seeking the views and opinions of a range of residents about net zero. It is vital that in this age of change and challenge we secure a transition that shares the benefits to everyone who lives in the City.
And as a coastal region, the threat of climate change that we face could have devastating consequences. This is why it is so important that we act now.
As COP29 looks to establish the global roadmap for net zero, Liverpool is well on the way to taking our position as one of the leading cities in the world on the most important challenge humanity will face this century.
