Climate Change & Environment Strategy 2026-2028
Our new Climate Change & Environment Strategy explains how we plan to tackle two major challenges facing Cambridgeshire: climate change and the loss of nature and wildlife.
Building on the progress we’ve already made, the strategy sets out how we will cut emissions, improve our resilience to extreme weather, and protect and restore nature across the county. It also shows how we will support communities and businesses who want to take action themselves.
Our previous strategy delivered several important achievements, including earning a CDP 'A' rating for climate action - placing the Council among global leaders in this area.
This new strategy continues that work. Our long-term goal remains the same:
To deliver net zero carbon emissions for Cambridgeshire by 2045 while supporting our communities and nature to adapt and thrive as the climate changes.
Why this strategy matters
Communities across Cambridgeshire regularly tell us that climate change and the environment are important local issues. The 2025 Quality of Life Survey confirmed this, highlighting a clear expectation that the Council should take practical and effective action.
This strategy responds to those concerns and shows how climate and environmental work can bring wide-ranging benefits, including:
- Improved health and wellbeing: By reducing climate-related risks and helping communities cope with extreme weather.
- Reducing inequalities: By supporting households most affected by climate impacts, including those facing fuel poverty.
- New local opportunities: By helping grow green skills, jobs, and innovation across the county.
Setting targets and commitments
We set out to understand the sources of carbon emissions from our own organisation and from the region as a whole. This evidence underpins our 7 targets, By 2028 we will:
| Target | Description |
| Carbon Reduction target 1 | Reduce scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions (from our buildings and fleet transport) by 67.5% against its 2018/19 baseline. |
| Carbon Reduction target 2 | Reduce its value chain carbon emissions (all scope 3) by 37.8% against its 2018/19 baseline (excludes land use and agriculture) |
| Carbon Reduction target 3 | Reduce its forest, land, and agriculture (FLAG) carbon emissions by 10.7% against its 2022/23 baseline. |
| Climate adaptation target 4 | Integrate climate risk into every service-level risk register and align to the UK national adaptation programme guidance to prepare for a 2°C and plan for a 4°C rise in temperature. |
| Nature and Biodiversity target 5 | Complete audits and conservation plan for 67% (23) of our 34 important biodiversity sites, detailing the required actions for each site. |
| Nature and Biodiversity target 6 | Increase the hedgerow planting by 2,052 meters by 2028 on its own assets. |
| Community target 7 | Establish at least 8 new projects and/or plans where the council is well placed to make it easier for Cambridgeshire communities and businesses to take action to reduce carbon, enhance community resilience, restore nature, and reduce their environmental impact. Continue existing initiatives that are supporting this objective. |
Climate and environment work touches every part of the Council’s services - from transport and waste collection to public health and adult social care. This strategy helps make sure that all of this work is:
- Joined up – so climate and environmental considerations are built into decisions across the Council.
- Targeted – focusing on what can be delivered within the next few years and within the Council’s available resources.
- Open and trackable – with clear measures in place so people can see how we are progressing.
Strategy documents
Our full strategy document is available to read or download below.
To support the strategy is an Action Plan. This sets out the actions we are taking to reach our climate ambitions.
Our Climate Change & Environment Strategy provides a shared direction for how we can respond to climate change and protect our natural environment. It reflects local priorities and sets out realistic steps towards a greener, fairer, more caring Cambridgeshire for everyone.
Explore our response to climate change
Watch the council's videos to find out how we will become a Net Zero organisation and county.
Please watch in YouTube for more accessibility options. - opens in a new tab
Please watch in YouTube for more accessibility options. - opens in a new tab
Further information
For more information about Climate Change, explore the links below provided by the Grantham Institute for Climate Change and Environment at Imperial College London.
These are produced in collaboration with their sister institute at Grantham LSE (London School of Economics), bringing together expert knowledge on climate science, economics and politics to answer commonly asked questions on the causes and impacts of – and solutions to – climate change.
How do we know climate change is happening?
- Humans are changing the planet's climate and causing the global average temperature to rise.
- How to scientists know this is happening and what exactly causes it?
What are the impacts of Climate Change?
- How is the climate changes, and what does this mean for humans, plants and natural ecosystems?
What are the world's countries doing about climate change?
- The world's countries have all signed up to the Paris Agreement.
- What does this actually mean, and are we on track to meet its goals?
How and when do we need to act on climate change?
- Why is it urgent to act on climate change now?
- What is a 'net-zero' emissions target?
How will acting on climate change affect the economy?
- Climate action is an opportunity to create a new, green economy.
- What economic benefits and costs does it bring?
How can acting to halt climate change be made 'fair'?
- Does tackling climate change stop countries developing?
- What is a 'just transition'?
- Why do people talk about an 'ethical obligation' to act on climate change?
