Cambridge unites for climate action after hottest summer on record

Cambridge City Council is intensifying its efforts to combat climate change, following a summer marked by record-breaking temperatures1. The council, which declared a climate emergency in 2019, has made significant strides in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and has updated its strategies to accelerate progress towards net zero targets. These initiatives offer numerous ways for residents to contribute to a greener, more resilient Cambridge.

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Cambridge's commitment to climate action

Cambridge has long been a leader in environmental stewardship, with a clear and ambitious vision for a sustainable future. The city's commitment is evident in its foundational policies and measurable achievements.

Declaring a climate emergency

Cambridge City Council formally declared a climate emergency in 2019, acknowledging the severe risks posed by climate change to the city and its residents. This declaration underscored a strong commitment to environmental action, building on efforts that began as early as 2007. The council's proactive stance aims to address both the causes and consequences of a warming climate, which makes extreme weather events more likely.

Progress towards net zero targets

The council has demonstrated tangible progress in reducing its carbon footprint. Its own greenhouse gas emissions have been cut by 51.9% since the 2014/15 baseline. City-wide, Cambridge has has seen a 47.3% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2005. Updated strategies in 2026 reaffirm the council's goal to achieve net zero emissions from its own operations by 2030, while also supporting the wider city in reaching similar goals.

Key initiatives driving change in Cambridge

Cambridge City Council is implementing a range of initiatives designed to reduce emissions, enhance biodiversity, and adapt the city to the impacts of climate change. These efforts span various sectors, from housing and transport to natural environment protection.

Enhancing household energy efficiency

A significant focus of Cambridge's climate action is improving energy efficiency in homes across the city. The council is actively retrofitting council homes and promoting household energy efficiency more broadly. This includes building new energy-efficient properties and supporting residents in making their own homes more sustainable. These measures are crucial, as residential properties typically contribute significantly to urban carbon emissions.

Investing in renewable energy and sustainable transport

The transition to renewable energy sources and sustainable transport is central to Cambridge's strategy. The council is investing in projects such as a city centre heat network, which could connect numerous buildings to river and air-source heat pumps, potentially reducing emissions by 93% over 40 years for connected buildings. Furthermore, efforts are underway to transition council fleet vehicles, including waste collection lorries, to electric power, improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions.

Protecting and enhancing biodiversity

Beyond emissions reduction, Cambridge is committed to protecting and enhancing its natural environment. The updated Biodiversity Strategy 2026-2031 strengthens the council's commitment to addressing the biodiversity emergency, aiming for bigger, better, and more joined-up nature across the city. Key projects include the Greater Cambridge Chalk Stream Project, which focuses on protecting and enhancing these vital habitats. The Urban Forest Strategy 2026-2036 sets an ambitious target to increase Cambridge's tree canopy cover to 20% by 2050, contributing to cooler neighbourhoods, reduced flood risk, and improved air quality.

Adapting to a changing climate

Cambridge is also developing strategies to adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change, such as flooding and overheating. The council supports communities in adapting to these challenges, including through sustainable food provision. These adaptation efforts are critical for building the city's resilience against future climate events.

How Cambridge residents can contribute

Cambridge residents play a vital role in achieving the city's climate goals. Individual actions, particularly concerning household energy and community engagement, can collectively make a significant difference.

Making your home more energy efficient

Improving household energy efficiency is one of the most impactful ways residents can contribute. Simple steps like insulating homes, upgrading to more efficient appliances, and managing heating can reduce energy consumption and lower carbon emissions. Fuse Energy can help residents monitor and manage their energy use through smart meters, providing the transparency and control needed to make informed choices. By choosing Fuse Energy, residents can support a supplier committed to a future less reliant on fossil fuels.

Supporting local renewable energy efforts

Residents can support the city's transition to renewable energy by opting for green energy tariffs from their suppliers. While Fuse Energy focuses on residential supply, its efforts contribute to a future less reliant on fossil fuels. Exploring options for home energy upgrades, such as those offered by certified third-party installers, can also contribute to local renewable energy generation.

Engaging with community projects

Community involvement is crucial for the success of Cambridge's climate initiatives. Residents can participate in local programmes and support projects focused on biodiversity, such as tree planting schemes or chalk stream conservation efforts. Attending public engagement events, like the recent screening of the People's Emergency Briefing film, provides opportunities to learn more and connect with local climate action groups.

The future of climate action in Cambridge

Cambridge's climate journey is ongoing, with updated strategies and a continued emphasis on collective action and innovation.

Updated strategies and long-term goals

The council's updated Climate Change Strategy 2026-2031 and Urban Forest Strategy 2026-2036 outline the path forward, building on past achievements and introducing new areas of focus. These strategies reinforce the commitment to net zero operations by 2030 and the ambitious target of 20% urban forest coverage by 2050. The Mayor of Cambridge, Cllr Maria Cleminson, highlighted the urgency of these efforts, stating, "Climate change is already affecting our lives."

The role of community and innovation

The success of Cambridge's climate action relies heavily on the active participation of its community and the embrace of innovative solutions. By fostering collaboration between residents, businesses, and local organisations, Cambridge aims to create a resilient and sustainable city for future generations. Initiatives like the city centre heat network and the transition to electric fleet vehicles exemplify the innovative approaches being adopted to tackle climate challenges.

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References

1. UK Government. Cambridge unites for climate action after hottest summer on record