Mike Renouf New Forest, Autumn 2021 Around 230 councils in the United Kingdom have declared a climate emergency, many of them setting 2030 as their target date to achieve net-zero carbon. Across the world, and as of June this year, 1,900 local governments in 34 countries have made climate emergency declarations. The term ‘climate emergency’ is used … Read more
In the first half of the 19th century, the American naturalist and writer Henry David Thoreau wrote ‘Thank God men cannot fly, and lay waste the sky as well as the earth’. He might think differently now. Flying is a wonderful means of transport, with many benefits. It has linked people and countries across the … Read more
The government’s new document Gear Change – A bold vision for cycling and walking signals a major shift towards promoting greener travel. Increasing cycling and walking, it states, can help tackle some of the most challenging issues we face as a society – improving air quality, combatting climate change, improving health and wellbeing, addressing inequalities … Read more
The pressure on National Parks, particularly from the number of visitors, the volume of motor traffic and associated emissions, is well recognised. Ten years ago, National Parks England identified some steps necessary for the effective management of pressure from traffic. The New Forest National Park Authority (NFNPA) has set some targets for Sustainable Transport. These … Read more
Cycling in the New Forest Apart from the benefits to the environment, the economy and health, cycling is one of the most efficient forms of transport. Bikes take up much less room than cars, cause little road wear and congestion, make no noise and no pollution, and are easy to park. Cyclists don’t break … Read more
Car sharing, reducing your number of car journeys and using public transport are all effective ways of cutting emissions. Less attention has been given to switching off your engine when stationary as a small action that everyone can do when they have to or choose to use their vehicle. It’s easy and simple. More new cars are being … Read more