A STRATEGY to introduce an ambitious programme of environmentally-friendly projects is set to be adopted in North Yorkshire in a move that is being heralded as a “defining moment” to help to curb climate change.

Members of North Yorkshire Council’s executive will meet on Tuesday next week (July 18) when they are expected to give their backing for the climate change strategy to be formally introduced by the authority.

A consultation that was conducted with the public across the county saw more than 1,700 responses with people overwhelmingly in favour of dramatically reducing harmful carbon dioxide emissions through a wide-ranging package of measures.

The draft strategy sets out how North Yorkshire Council will develop work that is already under way to reduce harmful carbon emissions, which are responsible for climate change. It also outlines how the council will prepare for changes in climate.

Initiatives which will need to be introduced include producing more renewable energy, reducing the use of fossil fuels, improving insulation in homes, encouraging the use of low-emission vehicles and promoting more active travel such as cycling and walking.

This ambition is seen as key for the nation to reach the Government’s target for the UK to become carbon neutral by 2050.