April 2023
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In early 2022 we published 'Dorset 2030 Living in a zero-carbon county', a comprehensive report that sets out to understand the crises we face and the possible answers from a Dorset perspective. This review returns to the assessments and scores captured last year to assess what progress has been made. It isn’t necessary to read the original report to understand this year’s assessment although readers may benefit from cross-referencing certain sections if the background to an issue isn’t clear.
As with the original report, this review was written with a broad audience in mind. While we hope it will be of interest to those working in relevant subject areas and those engaged in climate activism, its primary aim is to widen the discussion beyond the usual ‘bubble’ to help build the momentum for the changes required. Also, like the original report, it has been prepared by a team of volunteers over many months. While every effort has been made to ensure everything is accurate and up to date, we accept that we may have missed or misunderstood the occasional fact or piece of data. |
View the recording of our Annual Report launch event above (apologies for the lighting!)
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You can read the Executive Summary below or access each of the chapters via the following links.
Executive Summary
In early 2022, we published ‘Dorset 2030: Living in a zero-carbon county’, a comprehensive report that set out to explain the climate and ecological crises we face and explore potential solutions from a Dorset perspective. This is our first progress report on how Dorset is faring on the journey to net zero while helping people lead happier and healthier lives.
Progress in 2022
Using a scoring system of 1 to 5 (where 5 is where we need to be in 2030), we assessed where we felt each topic area was against the Dorset 2030 vision. Sadly, compared to where we were in 2021, we cannot find enough evidence to show progress in any of the categories. This is despite clear evidence from around the world, and here in Dorset, that the climate is already changing. In 2022, Dorset suffered heatwaves, wildfires and flooding, disrupting lives and destroying wildlife.
Key findings
What’s in the report?
Exploring each of the areas covered by the original report we have returned to the original vision statements in the hope these inspire more conversations at community level. The more detailed, technical information about why each area needs to be addressed along with our research and observations about the current scenario in Dorset has not been repeated (this is of course still available to cross reference in the main report). Instead, we have chosen to focus on news from the previous year and new stories and case studies demonstrating the positive impact some individuals and organisations are already making.
We have included the Dorset 2030 artwork (below), created by Arts University Design student, Abi Buckingham, to bring the vision to life in a way we believe will further encourage conversations about the kind of future we wish to create across the county.
Conclusion
We need rapid systematic and behavioural changes to help us avoid catastrophic economic and social disruption from climate and ecological breakdown. The biggest change we can make is to use our votes, choices and voices to engage with local politicians, business leaders and our communities, to build the momentum needed to make the required changes now. To support this, we can attend meetings in person, or online, to talk about our project and how it can help inspire community action.
We hope this report will inspire more to join the conversation on how we can create a climate and nature friendly, happier and healthier Dorset for all.
Progress in 2022
Using a scoring system of 1 to 5 (where 5 is where we need to be in 2030), we assessed where we felt each topic area was against the Dorset 2030 vision. Sadly, compared to where we were in 2021, we cannot find enough evidence to show progress in any of the categories. This is despite clear evidence from around the world, and here in Dorset, that the climate is already changing. In 2022, Dorset suffered heatwaves, wildfires and flooding, disrupting lives and destroying wildlife.
Key findings
- The latest available data shows a 9% reduction in Dorset’s carbon emissions between 2019 and 2020. But, this reflects the impact of the pandemic on travel and business, and the decarbonisation of the electricity grid, rather than a result of local policies. Our view is that political will and action in Dorset are not keeping pace with the worsening impacts of climate change and the destruction of the natural environment. We call on BCP and Dorset Councils to show the leadership needed to help all of us play our part in tackling these crises.
- The hoped for green economic recovery following the pandemic did not happen. Indeed it has been made worse by the war in Ukraine and the cost-of-living crisis. We detect a small glimmer of green shoots recovery here in Dorset, hinting at what a green economic model and nature-based solutions could achieve. We need more and urgent investment in these areas, which will also help create ‘green’ skilled jobs.
- We have again found many inspirational stories from across the county which provide examples of positive changes at local and community level. Our hope is these will inspire others to make changes themselves. We believe, if enough people take action, our politicians will be forced to follow.
What’s in the report?
Exploring each of the areas covered by the original report we have returned to the original vision statements in the hope these inspire more conversations at community level. The more detailed, technical information about why each area needs to be addressed along with our research and observations about the current scenario in Dorset has not been repeated (this is of course still available to cross reference in the main report). Instead, we have chosen to focus on news from the previous year and new stories and case studies demonstrating the positive impact some individuals and organisations are already making.
We have included the Dorset 2030 artwork (below), created by Arts University Design student, Abi Buckingham, to bring the vision to life in a way we believe will further encourage conversations about the kind of future we wish to create across the county.
Conclusion
We need rapid systematic and behavioural changes to help us avoid catastrophic economic and social disruption from climate and ecological breakdown. The biggest change we can make is to use our votes, choices and voices to engage with local politicians, business leaders and our communities, to build the momentum needed to make the required changes now. To support this, we can attend meetings in person, or online, to talk about our project and how it can help inspire community action.
We hope this report will inspire more to join the conversation on how we can create a climate and nature friendly, happier and healthier Dorset for all.