Devon Climate Emergency – creating a net-zero Devon where people and nature thrive

Our planet – the only place we can call home – is warming due to human activities, and the warming is accelerating. The UK’s warmest ten years ever recorded have all been since 2002.

This warming is causing more extreme storms, droughts, heat waves, melting ice, ocean acidification and rising sea levels. However, taking action on climate change also brings the opportunity to create a fairer, healthier, more resilient and more prosperous society. Addressing the climate emergency can improve public health, create new jobs, reduce fuel poverty, reverse the decline of biodiversity and more.

Devon Climate Emergency is raising awareness and encouraging everyone to act.

The project is coordinating a collaborative Devon-wide response to the climate emergency and ecological crisis to improve our environment, reduce carbon emissions, and get communities ready for a warmer world.

For Devon to become carbon neutral (net-zero) by 2050 and avoid the worst effects of climate change by keeping warming below 1.5 degrees, a range of public, private and voluntary organisations from across Devon came together on 22nd May 2019 to form the Devon Climate Emergency Response Group, to declare a climate and ecological emergency and to endorse the principles of the Devon Climate Declaration.  

This recognises that we are aware of the significant implications of climate change for Devon’s communities. Together, we have developed a Devon Carbon Plan, which has been created by the Net-Zero Task Force, as a roadmap for Devon’s journey to net-zero.

Additionally, it recognises that we need to understand the current and future risks of climate change for Devon and that communities will have to adapt to a warmer world. This work is being taken forward by the Climate Impacts Group and a regional Climate Adaptation Strategy.

Why get involved? Change is needed, and your actions can inspire others.  

You can learn more about climate change on our (Devon Climate Emergency) website, including our top tips for everyone, to get started. We also have resources tailored for schools, community groups, organisations, businesses and local councils. If you want to know what is already happening near you, find out about action in your area by searching our Taking Action page. 

We would love to hear from you – follow us on social media for local climate news and events as well as regular project updates, and subscribe to our free newsletter for a monthly rundown right in your inbox. 

Enter the Big Green Day out here.

Published July 2023.