A borough-wide survey of people's views on climate change revealed that 93% think it is a 'real issue', Waverley Borough Council has said.

The authority says 'hundreds' of people responded to the survey, which was launched following the adoption of the Climate Emergency motion in September 2019 and Carbon Neutrality Action Plan and Strategy in December 2020. The plan and strategy set out the council's aim to become carbon-neutral by 2030.

Councillor Steve Williams, Waverley Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, said: "We had a fantastic response to the survey and the results showed that our communities think this a critical issue, with 73% more concerned about climate change than they were 12 months ago.

"The information gathered from our residents, businesses and other key groups in the borough also offered some valuable insight as to where we should be focusing our attention going forward. This included increased options for upcycling and recycling in order to lower carbon footprint, investing in renewable energy projects and more tree planting across the borough.

"It also highlighted what we as a council need to be doing to put our own house in order such as tackling our own emissions as a priority, building new council housing to carbon neutral standards and investing in low-carbon transport choices in our own fleet."

Plans drawn up by Waverley to tackle the issue include building zero-carbon homes, making council buildings more energy efficient, supporting community energy hubs, promoting walking and cycling and sustainable transport and harnessing solar energy in strategic locations.

To see the strategy and action plan in full, click here.