Newcastle among world's top cities leading fight against climate change

The city has retained its top ‘A’ grade status from international climate research provider CDP, making it one of 19 places in the UK and 122 worldwide to hold the accolade.

Newcastle was first awarded the status in 2020 following a commitment to drive down the city’s carbon emissions to net zero by the end of the decade.

Cllr Jane Byrne, Newcastle City Council Cabinet member for a Connected City, said: “Tackling climate change is one of the council’s top priorities and for our city to retain the top grade is a fantastic achievement.

“It is a testament to the amazing work being done by the staff involved in our net zero projects.

“We are taking important steps to rapidly reduce carbon emissions and make our city more sustainable, from improving energy efficiency in public buildings such as schools and libraries to encouraging people through our Active Travel projects to swap their cars for public transport.

“Through the Sustainable Warmth Scheme, we are supporting residents to upgrade their energy inefficient homes, helping people to save money on their bills and cut emissions. The scheme is supporting our critical work to help our residents through the cost-of-living crisis.

“The Council is also engaging with young people and students to help shape the city’s climate action plans.

“We remain committed to working closely with partners to build on the vast amount of good, collaborative work that is already under way and take the further steps necessary, so Newcastle continues to be a clean, green and inclusive city.”

More than 1,000 cities were awarded a rating after disclosing their climate data through CDP this year, with just 12% receiving the top ‘A’ grade.

To score an ‘A’ rating, a city must disclose publicly through CPD, have a city-wide emissions inventory, have set an emissions reduction target and have published a climate action plan.

It must also complete a climate risk and vulnerability assessment and have a climate adaptation plan to demonstrate how it will tackle climate hazards.

Maia Kutner, CDP Global Director of Cities, States and Regions, said: “COP27 has made clear a total transformation of climate action is needed if the world is to remain anywhere near close to reaching net zero emissions by 2050.

“Action speaks louder than anything else, so at a time when the climate crisis can seem all consuming, we are delighted to celebrate some good news. 

“122 cities from every corner of the world are stepping up to lead in the fight against climate change through meaningful, tangible and effective action.

“This new wave of climate leaders includes a growing number of Global South cities in countries that are on the front line of climate change - many of which, from India to Cameroon, are on the A List for the first time. The world, and its cities, need to go much further and faster in stepping up that action.

“Reporting environmental data is the first, crucial step to acting, as what gets measured, gets managed. This year's ‘A’ List shows the growing momentum in cities reporting their data and we hope that many more will join them in protecting our planet for future generations.” 

To find out more about Newcastle’s Net Zero Action Plan, visit www.newcastle.gov.uk/netzero. 

To find out how Newcastle is progressing towards net zero and the actions we are taking as a city, click here