AMBITIONS to ensure Clackmannanshire reaches net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 at the latest will be laid in front of councillors tomorrow.

Wee County representatives will see key recommendations presented for climate change mitigation at a meeting on Thursday, August 11.

Councillors will hear about the local authority's plans to ensure its own operations reach net zero by 2040 at the latest with interim targets to be set for the lead up.

The overall plan is for the whole area to be net zero by 2045 and the council will also establish an internal Climate Emergency Board if the recommendations are agreed.

Community focused climate change forums are also to be established across the area.

These will provide space for dialogue between businesses, young people and residents so that meaningful ideas and feedback can shape the council's mitigation and adaptation targets.

It comes after councillors unanimously passed a motion to declare a climate emergency in the Wee County around a year ago.

The motion by council leader Ellen Forson recognised that “climate change is one of the most serious challenges facing communities here in Clackmannanshire and across the world”.

As part of the plans, carbon literacy training is scheduled for councillors and senior managers at the council to outline the science underpinning climate change and its relevance to the well-being of residents and businesses.

Already ongoing mitigation and adaptation initiatives include the development of a regional energy masterplan, a review of properties and shared assets, initiatives to make schools, homes and

buildings more energy efficient, the electrification of the council fleet and a range of other emission reduction projects.