The climate and energy challenge
We are now seeing the impacts of climate change all around us – these are no longer distant threats. Climate change is affecting our communities, our homes, and our economy. At the same time, global events have highlighted our exposure to energy insecurity. Rising fuel costs and supply shocks have pushed up living costs and put pressure on homes and businesses across Cornwall. They have also shown that energy security, climate goals, and a strong economy are closely linked.
To address climate change, we need to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions produced by our activities. One of the main ways to do this is by using less fossil fuel – such as oil, gas, petrol, and diesel. This is known as decarbonisation.
The trend towards a hotter climate
Internationally recognised information on climate change comes from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Their latest reports can be found on their website.
Read the IPCC's latest reports on climate change
Warming Stripes 1884 to 2025
The 'Warming Stripes' by Professor Ed Hawkins MBE show how global temperatures have increased from 1884 to 2025. The image below shows the data for the UK. The UK’s average temperature is increasing every year.
The bars illustrate temperatures going from blue (cool) to red (hot). From left to right are the years 1884 to 2025. A clear trend is visible. In earlier years the blue bars are the most common. As we look to more recent years, the red bars become more frequent.
Imperial College London and the Grantham Institute have a set of Frequently Asked Questions. These bring together expert knowledge on climate science, economics and politics.
Cornwall's carbon footprint
Every year we produce a Cornwall Greenhouse Gas Inventory (also known as a carbon footprint). This is a record of where our emissions come from. All figures relate to the six main greenhouse gases – carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulphur hexafluoride. Emission figures are shown as carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e).
In 2019 the University of Exeter calculated Cornwall's greenhouse gas emissions. They were able to provide a 2008 baseline emission dataset. The latest inventory data we have is for 2022. The different sectors and percentage of emissions they represent are as follows:
Rail transport 0.4%
Aviation 1.2%
Marine navigation 1.3%
Waste 4.3%
Industrial processes 1.5%
Commercial / industrial buildings 17.3%
Homes 19.5%
On-road transport is 27.9%
Agriculture, forestry and land use 26.5%
Note: Our calculations take into account the seasonal influx of tourists.
Cornwall’s current carbon footprint is 3.5 million tonnes CO2e (2022 data year), which is a 4% increase from 2021. Over a longer timeframe, it represents a 29% drop in emissions from the 2008 baseline figures. At our current pace, we won’t reach net zero until 2057 – 7 years later than the UK’s 2050 target.
You can access the latest inventory on the Hive – our online engagement platform.
Explore our latest Cornwall Greenhouse Gas Inventory
It is vital that we work together – at all levels – to reduce our carbon emissions. Individuals, communities, businesses, charities, and local government all have a role to play.