Devon residents are being given the chance to shape the county’s roadmap to net-zero – with a warning that achieving net-zero by 2050 is not optional, but essential.

The Interim Devon Carbon Plan Consultation has begun and gives the public an opportunity to influence Devon’s collective response to the global climate emergency and create a healthier, fairer and stronger Devon.

The consultation follows a series of hearings and more than 893 submissions of ideas and evidence from the public and the next step towards producing the Final Devon Carbon Plan, which once published, will enshrine what every Devon citizen, business and organisation has to do to ensure that Devon becomes net-zero.

Consultees are asked to go to the Devon Climate Emergency website and review the Interim plan which includes the transformational changes needed to create a thriving net-zero Devon.

They are then asked to indicate to what extent they agree with each of the proposed actions listed, with all the actions are based on the latest evidence and address the suggestions from the public call for evidence.

The topics range from active travel, renewable energy, and improved air quality to better insulation and warmer homes, reduced fuel poverty and eating more balanced diets.

Professor Patrick Devine-Wright, the chair of the Net-Zero Task Force, said: “Since the pandemic began the Carbon Plan has grown beyond the necessity to reduce carbon emissions. It is now a rare opportunity to create a fairer, healthier, more resilient and more prosperous society.

“Ultimately it’s up to all of us as Devon’s citizens.

“The more people who take part in the consultation from all walks of life and all parts of Devon, the stronger our argument becomes, the more momentum we create and the more likely we are to realise our goals.

“It’s your carbon plan, and what you think really matters.”

Dr Phil Norrey, chair of DCERG (Devon Climate Emergency Response Group), said: “The science is clear - our planet is warming at an alarming rate and the crisis can only be managed through collective action.

“The Interim Devon Carbon Plan is Devon’s proposed collective response and every person, every business and every organisation has a stake in this process. I urge everyone to take the time and look at what is being proposed and to give their views.”