Highlights

• Greater Manchester aims for net-zero city region by 2038 with five-year climate change action plan.
• Plan includes carbon emission reduction, renewable energy expansion, and low-carbon travel development.

Greater Manchester has officially begun its five-year climate change action plan with the aim of becoming a net-zero city region by 2038.

The plan unites Manchester City Council and surrounding local authorities to reduce carbon emissions, increase sustainability, and improve urban life across the ten boroughs.

Over the last 15 years, the region cut emissions by about 64%, and logged measurable reductions through cleaner energy in buildings, efficient street lighting, and the expanding Bee Network of cycling and walking routes.

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Carbon reduction and renewable energy development

Over the past decade, Greater Manchester recorded estimated savings of 44,344 tonnes of carbon. This was buoyed by investments in cleaner building energy, upgrading street lighting, and promoting low-carbon transport.

The plan now aims to reduce emissions by another 34%, thereby getting rid of nearly 43,000 tonnes of CO₂ from entering the atmosphere. In parallel, the city region plans to diversify renewable energy use to power homes and businesses.

Expanding low-carbon travel

The development of low-carbon travel infrastructure cuts through the heart of the plan. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) will introduce new tram stops, train stations, and extend the Bee Network to encourage cycling and walking.

These measures aim to reduce reliance on private vehicles and improve air quality, as well as make sustainable travel an accessible choice for residents, workers, and visitors.

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Sustainability, biodiversity, and circular economy

The action plan prioritises green spaces, biodiversity, and resilience to flooding and extreme heat. Homes will turn more energy-efficient, whereas natural environments will expand to improve health and well-being.

The plan also encourages a circular economy, with waste reduction through reuse, repair, sharing, and recycling, alongside strategies to influence the environmental practices of organisations operating in the city region.

Pathway to a net-zero city region

By following this five-year climate change action plan, Greater Manchester aims to achieve a largely zero-carbon status by 2038. Investment in renewable energy, low-carbon travel, and natural environment improvements will transform urban life as well as help the city region meet its carbon reduction targets.

See Also: Climate Technology: The Path to Net Zero and Sustainability

The full plan and supporting data on science-based carbon reduction targets are available online for those interested in understanding the complete strategy.

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