Devon Air Ambulance journeys towards sustainability
Devon Air Ambulances endorses the Devon Climate Declaration
The declaration invites public, private and voluntary organisations, as well as people who live and work in the county, to set the ambition of tackling climate change across Devon.
Devon Air Ambulance recognises that our world is facing a serious and urgent threat to climate change. The journey towards environmental sustainability is ongoing, but sadly it is not something which can be resolved instantly. Instead it is about making a meaningful commitment to addressing the reality of climate breakdown, by acting to radically reduce carbon emissions.
The Declaration has been prepared 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, including those people who live, work in, and visit our county, and those businesses who are based or operate here.
Devon Air Ambulance is aware of the significant implications of climate change for Devon’s communities and the visitors served, and 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.
By scrutinising and assessing all aspects of the organisation, coupled with reviewing how combined actions across the charity can ameliorate environmental impact, the aim is to inspire a dynamic cultural and philosophical ethos across the Devon Air Ambulance.
Helena Holt, CEO said: “We take very seriously our commitment towards Environmental Sustainability and Stewardship, as outlined in our strategic plan. It is essential that we play our part in working towards achieving the 45% drop in carbon emissions required globally by 2030, if we are to reach net-zero by 2050 to 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, we recognise that our ability to deliver our service effectively is very much subject to the impact of climate breakdown and biodiversity collapse. We are fortunate, therefore, to have a highly-motivated workforce that is entirely behind the strategic goals set out to achieve this.”
Devon Air Ambulance has a commitment to the Devon communities to continue to advance greener solutions in all aspects of work.
Head of Facilities and Risk, Jonathan Osmond said: “So that we can publicly report on our emissions annually, we are currently shortlisting specialist independent consultancies to audit our emissions, to help us achieve better environmental and commercial outcomes. For the past year we also have established an in-house ‘Green Team’, featuring representatives from across the charity who assemble regularly to evaluate all aspects of the organisation to see how we can creatively respond to the challenge in our work.
“We recognise the extent of that challenge and the near-term and future risks of climate change for Devon; we look forward to rising to it and 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 their fundraising efforts by visiting www.data.org/donate
