Climate change may have been thought of as a distant problem to overcome for future generations. However with predictions from leading scientific bodies to expect more extreme weather more often, there are calls to do more for the environment.

Somerset County Council (SCC) voted to put additional focus into protecting natural environments and bio-diversity by declaring an Ecological Emergency.

Cllr Sarah Dyke, SCC’s executive lead member for the environment and climate change, said: “As a Council we are putting sustainability at the forefront of all our decision-making.

“By declaring an Ecological Emergency, we are pledging to preserve the County’s natural environment and tackling negative impacts on biodiversity in Somerset.

“Going forward, SCC will take a lead role in the delivery of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy, working with the Local Nature Partnership to deliver a clear set of actions to bring about a reversal of the negative impacts on the natural environment caused by human overexploitation. We will be developing strategies to mitigate against the possibility of further decline or damage to the habitats, flora and fauna of Somerset.”

“This action will not only help us protect and sustain our precious natural environments, but can also deliver economic benefits by way of new jobs, economic savings, market and green tourism opportunities and contribute significantly to the improved health and well-being of our communities.”

The Council previously declared a climate emergency in 2019. As part of the eco-strategy, SCC is working with district councils to review planning policy to ensure biodiversity is improved, environments enriched, and the destruction of habitats is resisted when development occurs.

The Council will also be working to become pesticide and peat-free, and will be encouraging residents, businesses and landowners to follow suit to reduce pesticide use and eliminate peat use.

Crops such as Lettuce and Celery can be grown in peat and dairy cattle are, in places, grazed on intensively drained peatland. Peat bogs store huge amounts of carbon however, damaged bogs dry out and release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, accelerating climate change.