Manchester People -Autumn 2009 Issue 40

Manchester City Council is set to become the largest UK local authority to sign a national pledge to cut its carbon emissions substantially over the next year.

The Council is signing up to the national 10:10 project, which encourages individuals, businesses and organisations to reduce their emissions by 10 per cent during 2010.

The project, backed by groups such as the Carbon Trust, aims to put pressure on governments ahead of December's UN climate talks in Copenhagen. While politicians have argued for 2030 as a target date, scientists say this is too late and world emissions need to drop in the next few years.

The Council hopes that signing up to the project will inspire individuals and groups to do the same.

It aims to hit the target with measures including making its buildings more efficient, improving the efficiency of its vehicles, and installing devices throughout its offices and depots to regulate energy use.

Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese said: "The plan we are currently preparing for the city will demand determined action by everyone in Manchester to be able to tackle climate change over the next decade.

"This 10:10 campaign is a great opportunity for the Council to accelerate progress by looking at short-term targets for our own operations.

"Cutting our emissions by 10 per cent in one year is a bold target, but we are confident we can achieve this, sending a clear message to other organisations large and small that it is possible to make substantial reductions.

"We hope our move will encourage businesses and residents in Manchester and beyond to follow our lead."