Action on climate change and nature recovery

Leading in building climate resilient communities, reducing carbon emissions and restoring our natural environment.

South Oxfordshire is a largely rural district that is home to parts of two National Landscapes, the Oxford Green Belt, and a long stretch of the River Thames. Protecting and enhancing our environment is key to preserving it for future generations.

We have already made significant progress in reducing carbon emissions, taking climate action, and restoring nature, with firm plans to build on this through the delivery of our Joint Nature and Climate Action Plan 2025-2029 with Vale of White Horse District Council. However, despite our ongoing efforts climate change and ecological degradation remain significant ongoing threats which need to be mitigated.

Where we are now: Having declared a climate emergency in 2019 and an ecological emergency in 2021, South Oxfordshire has made significant strides in taking action on the climate and ecological emergencies and protecting and restoring our natural world. However, there is still more work to do.

Where we want to be: By 2029, the council will have made significant progress towards achieving its ambitious target of becoming net zero in its operations by 2030. The district will also be on track to becoming net zero by 2045. Our natural habitats will help to provide safe havens for wildlife and enhance biodiversity.