Councils that sign up to the declaration pledge to tackle climate change in their area and help the UK deliver its national climate change targets.
In signing the declaration, the County Council has agreed to develop plans with partners and local communities over the next two years to address the causes and impacts of climate changes. The Council will work with all sectors and businesses in the local community to conserve energy, reduce waste and congestion, improve the local environment and help tackle fuel poverty.
Council Leader Councillor Peter Jones said: "Climate change is the biggest threat to our long-term well-being, and signing the Nottingham Declaration further demonstrates the Council’s commitment to meeting this challenge.
"Local action and leadership is vital to reduce our carbon emissions and the impact of future climate changes. Tackling climate change is a strategic priority for the County Council and we will do all we can to work with partners to protect the future quality of life for both existing residents and generations to come."
Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive of the Energy Saving Trust, which administers the Nottingham Declaration, said: "We are delighted that East Sussex County Council has shown its commitment to climate change and signed this very important declaration. Climate change is occurring and will continue to have far reaching effects on the UK’s people and places, economy, society and environment."
Notes to editors
About the Nottingham Declaration
The declaration is a voluntary pledge to address the issues of climate change. It represents a high-level, broad statement of commitment that any council can make to its own community. The declaration was originally launched in October 2000 at a conference in Nottingham with 200 leaders, chief executives and senior managers of UK local government.
The declaration is designed to be signed by the Leader and Chief Executive (or their equivalents) of a council. In doing so, they are committing to ensuring that tackling climate change is a cornerstone of the council's strategy.
Addressing the effects of climate change can bring social, environmental and financial benefits for a local authority.
About the Energy Saving Trust
The Energy Saving Trust was set up by the government after the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro and is one of the UK’s leading organisations addressing the damaging effects of climate change. It aims to cut carbon dioxide emissions by promoting the sustainable and efficient use of energy for households, small business and the road transport sector. The Energy Saving Trust is a not for profit organisation funded by Government and the private sector.
The Energy Saving Trust administers and provides support to signatories of the Nottingham Declaration, including hosting the Nottingham Declaration Action Pack, an online resource offering a step by step guide to signing the declaration through to implementing action plans. The Energy Saving Trust’s advice and information service, 'Practical Help', acts as a portal for telephone and website enquiries relating to the Nottingham Declaration. For more infomration and contact details see the Energy Saving Trust's Nottingham Declaration webpages.
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