Tim Murgatroyd (The Press, January 30) is right to call for York to follow the example of other cities by declaring a ‘Climate Emergency’, introducing policies and actions to cut our carbon emissions to zero by 2030.

This is what the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has said is needed to limit average temperature rise to 1.5 degrees, essential to prevent catastrophic run-away climate change.

While individuals can play a part, it is councils, businesses and governments that have to act urgently to change from ‘business as usual’ by rapidly bringing about reductions in the burning of fossil fuels.

Actions insulating properties, installing renewable energy, sustainable transport facilities, cutting waste can all create jobs and improve individual health and quality of life.

‘One Planet York’ is an excellent initiative, but how do we know what difference this is making compared with the challenge?

Using a business analogy, what is each organisation investing, how soon will they identify their baseline emissions and then achieve zero carbon?

As a self-proclaimed ‘One Planet Council’, what are the milestones along the road from our current carbon footprint to zero carbon?

Yes, declare a Climate Emergency, but we also need a ‘road map’ to zero carbon by 2030.

Cllr Andy D’Agorne,

Green group leader on City of York Council,

Broadway West, York