What are we doing to tackle climate change?
We have committed to becoming a Council that takes robust action to tackle the local and global threat of climate change, both internally and in partnership with local organisations and residents.
Our progress
We are working with residents, businesses, schools and community groups to build a low-carbon, climate-resilient borough. Our new Climate and Nature Strategy (2025–2030) sets out a bold roadmap for reducing emissions, restoring nature, and adapting to the new changes we face.
We are working hard to deliver our Climate and Nature Strategy and Action Plan and have been awarded a CDP A rating for the third year in global recognition for our work towards our 2030 and 2043 targets.
Our strategies and action plan
In July 2019, we declared a climate emergency, committing to working towards becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
We launched a Climate Emergency Strategy (2019-2024) in 2019. This was followed by our new Climate and Nature Strategy (2025–2030), published in July 2025.
- Find out how we developed our new Climate and Nature strategy with residents and partners
- View the Climate Action Plan (2025)
- View the 2024 annual report
- View the Richmond Emission Reduction Pathways Analysis Report and Executive Summary (2023)
- View the Adaptation and Resilience Strategy
Reducing our borough’s carbon emissions will require changes to the way we live and work, and changes from government and business. This is a unique opportunity to work together as a community to improve our quality of life and create a borough that’s healthier, better to live in and fairer for everyone.
Our priorities
Our new Climate and Nature Strategy (2025–2030) sets out a bold and inclusive roadmap for the next five years, focusing on five priority themes.
These five priorities are underpinned by two accelerating actions: our Council becoming a carbon neutral and climate organisation by 2030, and our communities supporting climate action across the borough.
Our buildings
We are working to reduce carbon emissions from homes and buildings across the borough. This includes retrofitting, improving energy efficiency and supporting residents through initiatives like the Warm Homes: Local Grant.
- Discover how you can save carbon emissions, energy and money at home
Our air quality and transport
We are promoting sustainable travel and tackling air pollution through cleaner transport options, active travel infrastructure and smarter planning.
- Read our Air Quality Action Plan
- Discover what is happening around active travel in our borough
Our nature
Protecting and enhancing biodiversity and green spaces is central to our strategy from tree planting to habitat restoration.
- Discover the improvement and conservation work in our local parks and open spaces
- Read our Biodiversity Action Plan
- Find out how were are looking after our trees
- Discover ways to volunteer in our green spaces
Our resources
We’re moving towards a zero-waste economy encouraging reuse, recycling and responsible consumption. This includes community engagement and circular economy initiatives.
- Discover where to donate, share, repair or recycle locally
- Visit Library of Things in Patch, Twickenham
- See what community reuse and recycling schemes are available
Our resilience
We’re preparing for a changing climate, including more frequent flooding and heatwaves. Our work focuses on climate adaptation, emergency planning and supporting vulnerable communities.
- Explore our climate risk map
- Read our Adaptation and Resilience Strategy
- Discover the Community BlueScapes DEFRA/EA funded nature and community solutions-focused partnership with Barnes Common and WWT in the Beverley Book catchment area
- View our emergency planning pages with guidance for residents on extreme weather and flooding
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