The UKs 10 Point Plan and COP26, what does this mean for Climate Change?
On Wednesday 18 November 2020, the UK Government published their 10 point plan for a “Green Industrial Revolution”, setting out 10 key areas of focus to drive forward the country’s efforts to becoming Net Zero by 2050.
The 10 point plan covers clean energy, transport, nature and innovative technologies and will provide a framework to help address climate change and support the run up to next year’s Conference of the Parties (COP26).
CO26
This time next year the UK will host a crucial meeting of world leaders known as COP26 (Conference of the Parties). This meeting will see delegates from nations across the globe agree what they’re going to do to tackle climate change.
COP26 will be the biggest summit the UK has ever hosted. It is being described as the most significant climate event since the 2015 Paris Agreement.
Presidents and prime ministers from around the world will be reporting back on progress since the Paris Agreement and, hopefully, there will be some new decisions on how to cut carbon emissions.
What does this mean for the NHS?
With the NHS being responsible for an estimated 4–5% of the country’s carbon emissions, it is now more important than ever to understand how we can reduce our emissions and become Net Zero as soon as possible.
With this in mind, NHS England has set a net zero target of 2040/45 across all emission sources, with the aim to becoming the first National Health Service in the world to become Net Zero. In order to achieve this, close consideration is being made in areas including, new models of care, workforce and leadership, funding, data and monitoring and adaptation.
What does this mean for Southern Health?
With these Net Zero targets being driven by NHS England, Southern Health is committed to achieving Net Zero as soon as possible, with our Green Plan being the first step towards achieving this goal. In addition to our Green Plan, we are developing a detailed decarbonisation programme across our built environment, infrastructure and transport systems. This programme will look to finalise our emission trajectories, identify carbon reductions project for the short, medium and long term, as well as developing a carbon offsetting strategy for all residual emissions.
For more information about our sustainability plans across the Trust, please email me on the details below.
Grace Ryder
Energy and Sustainability Manager
