The 海角视频 has set an ambitious target to become net-zero for carbon emissions by 2050.
In essence, that means for every tonne of CO2 which is pumped into the atmosphere, a tonne must be taken out.
It’s a lofty goal, and one which will require huge changes in the way we produce and consume energy.
But in Hull and across the Humber region, 2050 is not enough.
With a rapidly-growing reputation as a world leader in decarbonisation and tackling the climate change challenge, business leaders have said: “we can do better.”
That’s why the region hopes to become net-zero for carbon emissions by 2040. A decade ahead of the 海角视频.
'Decarbonisation could be transformational for the Humber'
Last year, Hull City Council set out its own target for the city to be carbon neutral by 2030.
A bold statement, but businesses and organisations are already rising to the challenge.
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Drax Power Station – itself a major emitter of CO2 – has outlined plans to become the world’s first carbon negative company by 2030.
Not only does Drax want to stamp out its carbon emissions – it wants to absorb more CO2 from the atmosphere than it produces.
Last year, Drax launched its pilot for a carbon capture and storage project.
The vision is a mind-blowing one – to create a pipeline which would run underneath East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, enabling businesses to offload the carbon they produce.
Carbon would then be carried via pipelines out into the North Sea, and safely stored for future use.
Over at the University of Hull, a world-leading research team is working towards becoming a carbon neutral campus by 2027.
And at Siemens Gamesa’s factory in Alexandra Dock, wind turbine blades are being manufactured for the world’s largest offshore wind farms – off the coast of East Yorkshire.
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These are just some of the headlines. It is some story. And it is one which is only at its beginning.
Lord Haskins, chair at the Humber LEP, said: “The decarbonisation agenda could be transformational for the Humber.
“We have clean energy, which we can generate a lot more of, an industrial cluster with sectors like steel, oil refining and chemicals that are vital to the 海角视频’s strategic interests, and a geographical advantage.
“We also have the highest emissions in the country, which will need to be tackled for the 海角视频 to meet its international obligations.
“Bring all that together and we have a big opportunity to make what we have more competitive, attract new investment and create local business and community benefits.”
'We need to seize this opportunity. Zero starts here'
But why is Hull’s focus on cutting down on carbon emissions so important?
Well, for a start, the Humber region is the single biggest carbon emitter of any industrial corridor in the 海角视频.
With heavy industry along both banks of the Humber estuary contributing to the challenge, it is widely acknowledged that without the region leading the way, the 海角视频 will not achieve its own 2050 goal.
Some responsibility, and a big weight on the shoulders.
In fact, with over 50,000 people in the region employed in energy intensive industries, one thing is clear.
Businesses must change to safeguard jobs.
To top it off, the Humber region is also one of the most at-risk coastal areas for flooding of anywhere in the world.
With the IPCC forecasting sea level rises of one metre by the end of the century, the time for action must be now.
But the region’s challenge is also a fantastic opportunity. A chance for Hull and the surrounding region to stand in the spotlight and be at the forefront of tackling the carbon challenge.
Will Gardiner, CEO at Drax Group, said: “The race to cut carbon emissions is one we can win.
“This plan sets out a clear blueprint of how to get the Humber to net zero – the impact of decarbonising the most carbon intensive region in the country will make a major contribution to the 海角视频 reaching its world-leading climate goals.
“We need to seize this opportunity. Zero starts here.”
What is Hull doing to tackle the problem?
So what is Hull doing to tackle the problem?
Luckily, the answer is a lot.
On the bank of the River Hull, work is in its final stages for the city’s £200m Energy Works.
The site will convert normal, black bin waste into clean energy which can power homes.
Siemens Gamesa’s starring role in Hull’s offshore wind success story has been well documented.
But on the same site, at Hull’s historic docks, ABP has announced it is to invest almost £7m in a solar project to fit panels to roofs across the port.
It follows ABP’s similar work at the ports of Goole, and Immingham on the south bank of the Humber.
In East Yorkshire, the ergo centre and new £12m Aura Innovation Centre – both at Hessle’s Bridgehead Business Park – have provided spaces for small businesses to work together to decarbonise the region.
Smart city companies including Hull’s Connexin are helping us better understand the city’s pollution hotspots, and how to tackle them.
Out at sea, the Humber’s world-leading cluster of offshore wind farms are playing a major role in helping the 海角视频 continue to break records for the amount of clean energy generated through renewables.
In truth, there are brilliant, innovative things happening everywhere. This is just a flavour.
Andy Parkinson, chair of Marketing Humber, said the 海角视频’s 2050 target to become net-zero carbon could only be achieved through innovation.
He said: “The university, like lots of other people, has realised the biggest global challenge is climate change. We will only be able to decarbonise through innovation and collaboration.
“That collaboration needs to be three-fold. You need strong research-based academia, industry which is willing to invest, and the backing of the public sector.
“What we have here in the Humber is an institution with world-class talent in the university, global businesses like Orsted investing millions in R&D, and local government working together and doing their bit.”
Time for action is now
Business, local government and academics have truly got behind the climate change conundrum.
A string of powerful campaigns – including Marketing Humber’s own Waterline Campaign and the Zero Carbon Humber collaboration – are doing their bit to gain Hull national attention.
It is up to everyone – from the biggest businesses down to individuals in their homes – to make the changes needed to decarbonise the atmosphere.
All the foundations have been laid, and work is already well underway.
Now, Hull must lead by example, and cement its place as a world-leader in cutting carbon.
How to contact Phil Winter and Business Live
Business Live's Hull & East Yorkshire journalist is Phil Winter, also the business editor at the Hull Daily Mail and Hull Live.
You can follow Phil on Twitter @PhilWinterBiz, or on Linkedin by clicking .
Alternatively, email him on philip.winter@reachplc.com, or call 01482 315360.
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