Skip to content
Menu

Understanding climate change

Climate change means the Earth's temperatures and weather patterns are shifting. While the planet’s climate has naturally changed over thousands of years, the pace of change in the last century has been much faster - mainly due to human activity.

Burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas releases greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. This warming affects global weather patterns, sea levels, and leads to more frequent extreme weather events.

What does this mean for Newark and Sherwood?

We’re already seeing the effects locally, and they’re likely to increase over time. These include:

  • More frequent heatwaves
  • Longer periods of drought
  • Stronger and more severe storms
  • Increased flooding - even in areas that haven’t flooded before
  • Loss of wildlife and habitats in our parks and green spaces

To reduce these impacts, we need to cut down the amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) we produce.

What we're doing

Since declaring a climate emergency in July 2019, we’ve taken a range of actions to reduce our environmental impact and support a greener future:

Strategically

Since declaring a climate emergency in July 2019, we’ve taken a range of actions to reduce our environmental impact and support a greener future:

  • Audited our environmental practices and worked with the Carbon Trust to understand our carbon footprint, producing our annual carbon footprint.
  • Developed the Carbon Emergency Strategy 2020 and the accompanying Greening-Newark-and-Sherwood-Action-Plan.pdf.
  • Outlined key climate objectives in our Community Plan  Revised-Community-Plan-23-27.pdf – Ambition 6, ‘Reduce the impact of climate change and Enhance Greenspaces’.
  • Regularly monitor progress, assess environmental risks, and report updates through our carbon group and committees.
  • Developed a Tree Strategy to protect and grow our green spaces.

Operationally

  • Planted and given away to residents in excess of 20,000 trees.
  • Seconded a colleague into the County to work in partnership with others to deliver the planting of over 70,000 trees on sites across Newark and Sherwood, including working two major woodland creation schemes at Thorney Abbey and Little Carlton which boast more than 100,000 trees. More here: Trees and nature conservation | Newark & Sherwood District Council
  • Reduced peat use and switched to electric-powered gardening equipment.
  • Introduced “no mow” zones and wildlife-friendly grass areas.
  • Encouraged residents to reduce, reuse, and recycle: Reduce, re-use, recycle | Newark & Sherwood District Council.
  • Installed electric vehicle charging points across the district.

Investing in clean energy

  • Installed solar panels at multiple sites, saving over 100 tonnes of CO₂ per year.
  • Installed air source heating at Blidworth Leisure Centre.
  • Upgraded lighting to energy-efficient LEDs at multiple sites

Looking ahead

  • Updating our Climate Strategy and Climate Action Plan.
  • Expanding EV charging infrastructure at Castle House.
  • Exploring the switch to Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel for our fleet vehicles.
  • Exploring more locations for solar energy, including Castle House and Brunel Drive.
  • Upgraded lighting to energy-efficient LEDs at multiple sites.
  • Clean energy to be considered in all new build projects such as PV, battery storage, increased insulation.
  • Expecting the LAEP (Local Area Energy Partnership) report by the end of ’25, giving us more data to ensure energy efficiency decisions are made strategically.

What you can do

Everyone can help tackle climate change, and even small changes can make a big difference. Whether you're just starting out or already living sustainably, there’s something for everyone.

Easy tips for beginners

  • Switch off lights and appliances when not in use.
  • Walk, cycle, or use public transport instead of driving.
  • Recycle properly - check what goes in your bins and use local recycling centres.
  • Eat more plant-based meals - even one or two a week helps!
  • Shop locally to support nearby businesses and reduce transport emissions.
  • Avoid single-use plastics - carry a reusable bottle, bag, and coffee cup.
  • Grow your own herbs or veggies - even a windowsill garden counts!

Helpful resources

Explore these websites for practical tips and support:

Earn rewards for going green!

Download the Nottinghamshire Green rewards app and earn points for eco-friendly actions like:

  • Shopping locally
  • Cycling or using public transport
  • Turning off lights and saving energy

Plus, we’re giving away two £20 vouchers every month:

  • One for the top Green Points earner
  • One randomly selected from all participants

It’s free to join, just visit www.notts.greenrewards.co.uk to sign up and start making a difference today!