Pathway to decarbonising West Midlands by 2042 – says WMCA combined authority board

The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) declared a climate emergency in June 2019 and established a zero-carbon target for the region by 2041.

West Midlands Combined Authorities announced their first Five Year Plan in March 2021, outlining targets for decarbonising the area and leading the green industrial revolution. All must participate in the ambitious goal to cut carbon emissions, including:

-Changes in the provision of energy through Energy Capital, and businesses signing up for the Net Zero Business Pledge

-The Virtual Forest has documented a significant amount of tree and hedge planting.

WMCA’s mission includes developing a more sustainable and resource efficient economy for the West Midlands, as well as collaborating with others to conserve, restore, and improve the natural environment, resulting in greener spaces and cleaner air.

The Mayor of the West Midlands is supported by the Board, which is made up of publicly elected leaders that are committed to achieving great environmental results for the area.

Objectives and outcomes of the West Midlands Low Emissions Strategy include:

Support for local action - Collaboration between local governments, the WMCA, and other stakeholders to advance previously planned local strategies to address air quality and greenhouse gas emissions.

This approach will back Birmingham City Council's decision on a local Clean Air Zone, which was adopted by following public input.

Wherever feasible, the strategy should draw on best practises and development experience from other Combined Authorities that have established comparable strategies, including Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, and the London Integrated Environment Strategy.

Chief Executive of West Midlands Combined Authority, Deborah Cadman, commented:

“In addition to engaging with partners across the area to achieve net zero goals, the WMCA will take the lead by establishing and implementing a carbon literacy programme for all employees. This will begin in March 2021 and will be a key component of the behaviour change”.