HAMPSHIRE County Council has declared a climate emergency.

The authority has pledged to make Hampshire carbon neutral by 2030, taking into account both production and consumption emissions.

The news came as at a cabinet meeting held in Winchester on Monday where members were asked to consider a motion moved by Councillor Martin Tod.

The county council is among the several local authorities across the country to have declared a climate emergency.

Following the announcement, cabinet members at Hampshire County Council (HCC) are expected to report to full council within six months setting out the immediate actions the authority will take to address the climate emergency and a plan to measure annual countywide progress towards meeting the 2030 target.

HCC has also pledged to work with partners across the county and the region to deliver its new goal and vowed to actively lobby the government to provide the additional powers and resources needed to meet the 2030 target.

Cllr Keith Mans, leader of HCC, said: “The Climate Emergency programme has gathered pace and profile at a rapid rate. In the last few days, the government has announced a UK target of net zero greenhouse gases by 2050 and we are committed to ensuring Hampshire County Council plays its part.

“It is clear that action on the scale required to meet the urgency of this global challenge can only be achieved if we all commit to lasting change.

“In Hampshire, this means not only building on our achievements in reducing carbon emissions in recent years, but also being absolutely clear on effective actions we can take to reduce our carbon footprint and make Hampshire more resilient to the effects of climate change already in the system.

"Our aim is to leave the county in a strong and sustainable position for future generations.”