The Council and democracy Transcript for Zero Carbon film Autumn 2021

Introduction voiceover 

The world is waking up to Climate Crisis. Nowhere is untouched. 

With raging wildfires, scorching heatwaves, devastating flash floods and disappearing glaciers, climate change – driven by man-made CO2, cannot be ignored. 

Manchester has been taking serious action on climate change for more than two decades. By 2018 Manchester had set an ambitious zero carbon goal for 2038 at the latest – 12 years ahead of the national target. 

Direct to camera 

“In 2019 we became one of the first councils in the country to declare a climate emergency, underlining the urgency of the task. 

Our Climate Change Action Plan for 2020-25 set out how the council, as an organisation, will halve our own carbon emissions by 2025.” 

Voiceover 

A citywide framework shows how the city as a whole must respond. 

Direct to camera 

“Two years into our plan and we’ve achieved a lot.” 

Voiceover 

Retrofitting our highest-emission buildings to generate renewable energy, cut emissions and energy costs - like these solar panels at Wythenshawe Forum – and securing millions in funding to do more. 

Developing a shared power and heating system, the Civic Quarter Heat Network, which will cut carbon emissions from the city’s most iconic buildings. It even includes a beautiful tower to show it off. Why not? This is Manchester. 

Investing in more electric bin lorries than any other council. Creating West Gorton’s new “sponge park”. It prevents flooding and we will be using it as an example to bring forward other nature based solutions. Embarking on a three-year, million pound tree plan: the first thousand trees are already sprouting around the city. 

We’re securing millions of pounds to fund active travel so walking and cycling is people’s first choice. And we’re creating new green spaces, such as city centre Mayfield Park, with a passion – people love them, nature loves them, our planet loves them. 

We’re working on new planning rules, which could insist that new buildings here are net zero carbon. We’ll keep championing improvements to public transport, active travel, electric vehicle charging, so that making the right choices for the climate gets easier. 

We’re working to minimise carbon emissions from key projects, for example you’ll only find electric vehicles being used inside the Town Hall as it’s repaired, restored and refurbished. 

We’re currently on track to meet that 50% reduction in emissions by 2025, but there’s a long way to go. This is just the start! 

In the years ahead we’re looking to do so much more. Radical things. Maybe our own large solar farm for renewable energy? 

Direct to camera 

“So yes – we do all this because we’re Manchester and we want to take our part in tackling a global crisis.” 

Voiceover 

So come on Manchester; we’re playing our part, so play yours and together we’ll meet those targets and create a greener, cleaner future.

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