Denbighshire County Council has refreshed its climate strategy, to tackle climate change and support nature recovery.

The new Climate and Nature Strategy was adopted by council members at a meeting on July 9 and will be implemented through to 2030.

This revamp follows the council's declaration of a Climate Change and Ecological Emergency in July 2019, committing to becoming Net Carbon Zero by 2030 at the latest and improving biodiversity across the county.

The original plan was set in February 2021, making a commitment to reduce carbon emissions from goods and services purchased by the Council's supply chain by 35 per cent by 2030.

Additionally, in October 2020, changes were made to the council's constitution to require all decisions to consider climate and ecological changes.

The recently concluded first strategy review period in 2023 and the first half of 2024 saw input from the public and partners.

The public have had their say  (Image: Denbighshire County Council)

This has resulted in a renewed strategic plan focused on local climate change and nature recovery efforts.

Council members have responded to public engagement by renaming the strategy from "Climate and Ecological Change Strategy" to "Climate and Nature Strategy."

Additionally, three new sections have been included, acknowledging the wider influence that the Council can have in bringing about change.

These include: 'Reducing Emissions and Increasing Carbon Absorption Across Denbighshire', 'Increasing Our Climate Risk Resilience Across the County', and 'Nature Recovery Across Denbighshire'.

A technical appendix has also been introduced to provide a detailed history of completed activities and performance to date.

Councillor Barry Mellor, the lead member for the environment, highways and transport, shared his thoughts on the updated strategy.

He said: "I am pleased the Council has agreed to adopt a refreshed approach to continue tackling the impact of climate change on our county and our local nature."

He added: "We are highly committed to go as far as we can and as fast as we can, with the resources we have at hand to continue making a contribution to tackling climate change and delivering nature’s recovery for the well-being and protection of our current communities, staff and partners and for future generations to come."

He did, however, acknowledge the financial pressures facing councils across Wales and the UK, while emphasizing the secondary benefits of climate action like cost-cutting and creating spaces for community wellbeing.

The refreshed strategy will soon be available for public view on https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/environmental-health/climate-and-ecological-change/climate-and-ecological-change.aspx.