Local Green party councillors have described a major strategy document aimed at reducing carbon emissions across Warwickshire as "woefully inadequate".

Warwickshire County Council is currently asking for public feedback on its draft Warwickshire sustainable futures strategy, with a consultation running until January 15.

The document proposes to reduce carbon emissions to net zero from WCC's own activities by 2030 and the wider county by 2050.

But Green members have criticised its reliance of offsetting - including the planting of trees and natural sequestration - and says "more ambitious" actions including retrofitting, generation of renewable energy and a firmer transport policy need to be included.

The group pointed to the "unacceptably high figures" that show the strategy would only cut WCC's own emissions by 46 per cent by 2030 - meaning more than half its carbon output would require offsetting.

Town and district councillor John Dearing said: "We are disappointed not to see more direct plans for investment and changes in spending priorities.

"WCC spends £672 million annually on services, and yet the document does not make the link between this financial power and making strategic policies or decisions around carbon reductions.

"There is little sense of how WCC will use its significant influence to take net zero arguments to local businesses, the energy sector, local communities etc., or to integrate actions across the county with those underway by local councils.

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"Disappointingly, it expects only to 'engage' with pension funds over investments rather than divesting from fossil fuels. This plan is not fit for purpose."

The strategy and survey can be found at: https://ask.warwickshire.gov.uk

What Has the Council Said?

WCC has called on Warwickshire residents to share their views on the document, saying the consultation is a "meaningful opportunity" to be heard by "senior decision-makers".

Locals can leave their thoughts on the strategy approach, the priority areas and planned actions as well as their views on how the goals should be delivered.

The council has established objectives to cover six key themes:

• Transport
• Energy
• Built Environment
• Resources, Waste & Circular Economy
• Sustainable Communities & Green Economy
• Natural Capital and Biodiversity

Cllr Heather Timms, portfolio holder for environment, climate & culture, said in a statement last week: "We are very excited to share our new Sustainable Futures Strategy because it sets out our direction of travel as a council for years to come.

"This strategy is a sharing of our plans for rising to the challenge of mitigating and adapting to our planet's changing climate, but it also embracing sustainability in its widest sense.

"This includes how we want to build sustainable communities and develop the green economy across Warwickshire and how we plan to protect and increase our precious biodiversity and habitats.

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"Sharing this strategy with the people of Warwickshire is particularly important because sustainability is something we can't do alone. We are keen to work in partnership and collaboration with the communities of Warwickshire as we deliver this, so I hope as many people as possible will give us their views."