SCOTTISH Borders Council has outlined its route map to meet its net-zero carbon emissions target.

At a full meeting of the council this week, elected members will discuss plans to achieve the goal by 2045.

The local authority has warned that if more is not done to mitigate climate issues, the Borders could see an increase in severe weather events, such as flooding.

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Councillor Sandy Aitchison, executive member for sustainable development, said: “This route map sets out the scope of our ambition as a council to reach the Scottish Government target of net zero by 2045 and opportunities for action.”

The council’s route map establishes a framework for action based upon five themes: Resilience; Transport Use; Nature Based Solutions; Energy; and Waste Management.

Each theme includes its own set of milestones which, when achieved, will help move the council closer to meeting its target.

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Mr Aitchison added: “We cannot do it alone [meet target], however, so we will use this route map to ignite a step change locally in not only the developing conversation around tackling climate change but leading regional action across the public sector and beyond.

“The input and actions of our residents will be critical in the Scottish Borders reaching the net zero target as a whole, and that is why we will establish a citizens’ panel to help identify local priorities and support and encourage change across the region.

“The council as a community leader must be at the forefront of positive change here in the Scottish Borders, but we cannot succeed unless we work alongside our partners, communities, industry, activists and our residents as we move forward on what will be a marathon, not a sprint, in the race to net zero.”