Grade 'A' status for Newcastle and Sunderland's green plans

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Newcastle holds 'A' grade status among 95 cities worldwide for its action on climate change

Newcastle and Sunderland have been named among world-leading cities tackling climate change.

Newcastle retains its 'A'-grade status, while Sunderland gains its first, from international climate research provider CDP.

Newcastle has pledged to reach net zero by 2030, with the entire city carbon neutral.

Sunderland is aiming to become carbon neutral by 2040. They are among 95 cities worldwide recognised.

The target includes making more vehicles in Newcastle electric, cutting home energy usage and recycling more.

Newcastle City Council leader Nick Forbes told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the city was "incredibly proud" to have retained its top grade status.

He said: "Tackling the climate emergency remains the great challenge of our age and this very much reassures us that we are on the right track." 

He added that momentum from the COP26 climate conference held in Glasgow should be harnessed and further steps taken to "create the clean, green and inclusive communities we all want to live in".

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Sunderland is aiming to become carbon neutral by 2040

Among Sunderland's green initiatives are working with Nissan to create an Electrical Vehicle Hub, a waste recycling scheme at the port which will reduce plastic waste, and commitment to include young poeple in the city's climate action plans.

Sunderland City Council leader Councillor Graeme Miller said: "We must act like our lives depend on it...because they do.

"We are seeing increased flooding, extreme weather - from record heatwaves to devastating storms - and yet collectively we do little to address it. But if we are to make a global impact, then we must start in our own communities."

A CDP spokesperson said: "The cities on this year's A List, are also celebrated for showing that urgent and impactful climate action - from ambitious emissions reduction targets to building resilience against climate change - is achievable at a global level, and in cities with different climate realities and priorities.

"However, this action needs to go further and faster to meet the new targets agreed at COP26."

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