ACTION being taken by local climate groups was praised this week by East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds.

His comments came as he introduced a Westminster Hall debate on the country’s net zero carbon target.

Mr Hinds highlighted plans by East Hampshire District Council to plant a tree for every resident and develop a growing network of cycling and walking paths.

He also praised new car charge-points in key locations and the sustainable approach taken in the regeneration of Whitehill and Bordon.

He singled out Alton Climate Action & Network for the range of initiatives the group is leading on.

The Greening Campaign was another initiative highlighted. Launched in Petersfield in 2008 before eventually spreading to 100 other towns and villages, it showed how small actions add up to significant change.

Opening the debate Mr Hinds said: “Tackling climate change is a defining challenge of our age.

“The developed world, with our higher per-capita emissions, have a greater responsibility.

“We had our industrial revolution first – so it is right we should be ahead on decarbonising, too. I was proud last year when the UK became the first major economy to commit in legislation to net zero.

“The UK has been leading the G20 nations on decarbonisation. But to reach our net zero target we will have to accelerate further.

“Thus far, our decarbonisation success has been primarily about the power sector, where dramatic change has been achieved.

“Further improvements here are tougher, given the intermittent nature of wind and sun, and the current limitations of battery storage.”

Road transport accounts for around a fifth of all greenhouse gas emissions and passenger cars account for over half of transport emissions.

Mr Hinds highlighted the opportunity afforded by this sector in terms of decarbonisation. For example, hydrogen offers “possibly the best advantage for HGVs” and the developing battery technology for passenger vehicles.

And with the growth in home shopping Mr Hinds also made reference to the opportunity for the Post Office network to be developed into the country’s biggest “click-and-collect service”.

This would be particularly important in rural areas such as East Hampshire.

He also welcomed the Government’s plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035, bringing the target forward by five years.

Mr Hinds said he has been “so impressed” by the range of groups stepping forward to “help make a difference here in East Hampshire”.

This includes “the work led by Energy Alton and the Alton Climate Action & Network”, the “re-emergence of the Greening Campaign” and the “on-going engagement of students in local schools”.

He also highlighted plans to establish a climate action network in Petersfield.

“The effort and ambition is growing, and we’re lucky to have such active support here in East Hampshire,” he added.