SOUTH Ayrshire Council have launched their first Sustainable Development and Climate Change Strategy.

The plan was revealed on Wednesday, October 9 during Scotland’s annual Climate Week, with a range of events taking place in the County Buildings in Ayr.

The Energy Agency, Belleisle Rangers and Ayr Active Travel Hub were among those who set up stalls each day to provide more information on what you can do for the environment.

The new strategy sets out the framework for council projects, policies and initiatives which promote sustainable development, mitigate climate changing emissions and adapts to the impacts of climate change.

Douglas Campbell, leader of the council, said: “Addressing sustainable development and climate change locally is important not just for the future of the planet, but also to tackle inequality, ensure health and well-being and be confident that our decisions about services are fit for the future too.”

The local authority’s new Sustainable Development and Climate Change Member Officer Working Group, who are tasked with delivering the strategy, met for the first time prior to the launch.

Youngsters from Prestwick Academy attended the launch to put their questions directly across to the association.

There is a global climate emergency and the Scottish Government recognises the need for serious and decisive action.

The Parliament’s Climate Change Committee voted in favour of a net-zero emissions target for 2045 and to increase the targets for 2030 and 2040.

These targets are ambitious, credible, and responsible and mean Scotland’s contribution to climate change will end, definitively, within a generation.

You can view the strategy here: https://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/sustainable-development/sd&ccstrategy%202019-2024.pdf