Devon Air Ambulance sets out its commitment to tackling climate change

Devon Air Ambulance has promised to help tackle the climate crisis by joining the drive to 'radically reduce' carbon emissions.

The charity has announced that it has 'agreed the ambition to tackle climate change within our county by examining how to mitigate its own environmental impact, to improve the health and wellbeing of current and future generations, and by signing the Climate Emergency Declaration'.

The declaration has been drawn up by a consortium of public, private and voluntary organisations collaborating through a Devon Climate Emergency Response Group.

It sets out an ambition to tackle climate change that covers all of Devon, everyone who lives, works in, and visits the county, and the businesses who are based or operate there.

Devon Air Ambulance said 'byscrutinisingandassessing all aspects of theorganisation, coupled with reviewinghow combined actionsacross the charity can ameliorate environmental impact, the aim is to inspire adynamiccultural and philosophicalethos across the Devon Air Ambulance.

Helena Holt, CEO, said:"We take very seriously our commitment towards Environmental Sustainability and Stewardship, as outlined in ourstrategic plan.

"It is essential that weplay our part in working towardsachieving the4 per cent drop in carbon emissionsrequiredgloballyby 2030,if we are to reach net-zero by 2050to avoid the worst effects of climate change by keeping warming below 1.5 degrees.

"As a charity that cares for the health of those we serve, werecognisethat our ability to deliver our service effectively is very muchsubject to the impact ofclimate breakdown andbiodiversitycollapse. We are fortunate,therefore,to have a highly-motivated workforce that is entirely behind the strategic goals set out to achieve this."

Head of Facilities & Risk, Jonathan Osmond,said: "So that we canpubliclyreport on our emissions annually, we arecurrentlyshortlisting specialist independent consultancies toauditouremissions,to help us achievebetter environmental and commercial outcomes.

"For the past year we also have established an in-house'Green Team',featuring representatives from across thecharitywho assemble regularly toevaluateallaspectsof theorganisationto see how we can creatively respond to the challenge in our work.

"Werecognisethe extent of thatchallenge and the near-term and future risks of climate change for Devon; we look forward to rising toitand engaging the communities we serve in our progress."

Devon Air Ambulance's life-saving service is made possible only thanks to support from communities across and beyond Devon whom they serve. Supporters can assist its fundraising efforts by clicking here.