The Challenges of Becoming the First UK City to Reach Net Zero Emissions

Manchester has made a bold commitment to become the first UK city to reach net zero emissions by 2038. Manchester City Council, Manchester Climate Change Agency and Manchester Climate Change Partnership have joined forces in order to meet this ambitious goal. Through its economic recovery plan, Manchester seeks to reduce carbon emissions while creating jobs and boosting the local economy. Furthermore, Greater Manchester is playing a key role in achieving carbon neutrality through initiatives such as the Clean Air Zone, Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy and City Centre Transport Strategy. Together these efforts will help make Manchester an example of sustainability for other cities around the world.

The challenge for Manchester lies in reducing carbon emissions while simultaneously creating jobs and stimulating the local economy.

Overview of Manchester’s Climate Change Ambitions and Plans

Manchester has a comprehensive plan in place to achieve carbon neutrality by 2038. Manchester City Council is leading the charge with their Manchester Climate Change Action Plan which outlines the steps Manchester must take to reach net zero emissions. Manchester’s ambition is supported by the Manchester Climate Change Agency and Manchester Climate Change Partnership, both of which are devoted to helping Manchester

Manchester Council’s Responsibilities

Manchester City Council is playing a key role in Manchester’s carbon neutrality journey. The Council has responsibility for reducing the city’s emissions and promoting sustainable practices. Manchester City Council is leading efforts to reduce energy use, promote renewable energy sources and reduce traffic congestion. The council also has plans to introduce greener public transport options and increase tree planting to help Manchester become a greener city.

Manchester’s ambition to reach net zero emissions is supported by the Manchester Climate Change Agency (MCCA) and Manchester Climate Change Partnership (MCCP). The MCCA works directly with Manchester City Council, businesses, and other stakeholders to help Manchester reach their emissions targets. The MCCP is a multi-stakeholder collaboration consisting of large companies, local authorities, universities, community groups, and more, with the mission of creating Manchester’s carbon-neutral future.

Manchester Climate Change Fund

Manchester City Council has set up the Manchester Climate Change Fund to help Manchester reach net zero emissions by 2038. The Manchester Climate Change Fund will support projects that reduce city-wide emissions, create jobs, and invest in green infrastructure.

Manchester Council’s Economic Recovery Plan

Manchester City Council has also developed an economic recovery plan to help the city recover from the pandemic. The plan will focus on reducing carbon emissions while creating jobs and boosting Manchester’s economy. Manchester is committed to becoming a world leader in innovative low-carbon businesses, renewable energy sources, green transport, and sustainable practices.

The Clean Air Zone

The Manchester Clean Air Zone is an innovative policy to reduce air pollution in Manchester. The Clean Air Zone will restrict the most polluting vehicles’ access to Manchester city centre and impose a daily charge on some of the highest polluting vehicles entering Manchester city centre.

Manchester's admirable ambition to become carbon neutral by 2038 is an inspiring example for other cities around the world. These efforts are making Manchester a leader in sustainable practices that can be leveraged by any city looking to reduce emissions while creating jobs and stimulating their local economy. We encourage you to keep watching Manchester’s journey closely so that you too can learn from this ambitious mission of becoming carbon-neutral!