Greater Manchester unveils new Five-Year Environment Plan to support 2038 net-zero target

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, unveiled a new Five-Year Environment Plan for the city-region that outlines how Greater Manchester can meet its 2038 target for net-zero.

The plan, revealed at the Greater Manchester Green Summit on Monday 9th December, sets out how public and private sector organisations, national government, and communities can work together to meet carbon neutrality goals and capture the benefits of green growth. The plan follows the city-region’s previous Five-Year Environment Plan that launched in 2019.

Key ambitions set out in the plan include improving existing housing and the construction of 30,000 affordable net-zero homes, development of a carbon-neutral public transport system, and growth in green sectors that creates good quality, long-term employment. The plan also outlines measures to reduce waste, improve air and water quality, and increase resilience to climate impacts all while supporting economic growth.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said:

“We believe that achieving carbon neutrality by 2038, whilst very challenging, is still achievable – but we cannot do it alone.

“It’s by working together and with our communities, that we will ensure every person can live well in a healthy, nature-rich environment, while supporting our region’s economic growth.

“Our Five-Year Plan is our vision to capture the benefits and the opportunities of green growth, setting out how protecting and enhancing the natural environment can boost the economy and help communities to thrive.

“This is fundamental to the success of Greater Manchester, and I am proud that we are leading the way to becoming carbon neutral.”

Cllr Tom Ross, Greater Manchester Green City-Region Lead, said:

“Our new Five-Year Plan is incredibly ambitious as we are determined to hit our goals of being a carbon neutral city-region by 2038. Our natural environment is vital for everyone in Greater Manchester, and it is right that we put in place bold plans to protect and enhance it.

“The Green Summit is always a great environment for collaboration and highlights just how much work is happening with our partners to tackle the climate crisis.”