We recently adopted the Zero Carbon Plan 2030, setting out the changes that Ōtepoti Dunedin needs to reduce its emissions and what we will do to help make that happen.

That means reducing greenhouse gas emissions to a low enough level that it can be balanced out by the carbon absorbed by trees and forests by 2030.

Actions to reduce emissions cover five main areas:

• sustainable transport options
• reduce waste
• increasing energy efficiency
• supporting local communities and businesses to take positive climate actions
• growing forests to help offset emissions.

Reducing emissions is important as climate change is affecting communities throughout New Zealand and the world. Dunedin itself is seeing more frequent and extreme weather events, making life harder not just for humans, but for landscapes and wildlife too.

By reducing emissions here in Dunedin and by becoming a Zero Carbon city, we’re joining communities all over the world to work towards a positive future, while also improving the wellbeing of our communities. Actions we take to reduce emissions will bring about many other benefits, including more equitable access to transport, cleaner air, improved public health, reduced costs for households and more.

We know Dunedin can become a Zero Carbon city if we work together – from individuals, community groups, to businesses and organisations. Find out more at our website.