It aims to help residents, businesses and other organisations reduce their carbon emissions by 30% by 2020 from 2005 levels.

Carbon dioxide gases (CO2) are released whenever we use energy like electricity, gas or fuel for transport. These gases form a blanket around the earth, trapping heat. This is called the 'Greenhouse Effect' and it is causing our climate to warm-up.

The strategy's launch, which was opened by Oliver Letwin MP, was held in Dorchester in October 2009. It was attended by around 120 people and about stall holders also came along to give information about green initiatives. Stall holders included electricity companies, transition town groups, Dorset Wildlife Trust, Bridport Community Orchard and West Dorset District Council.

Work has now begun on  implementing the strategy [785kb] (opens in a new window)which has been produced by the West Dorset Partnership. The partnership is made up of public, private, community and voluntary organisations.

School pupils help highlight problem of climate change

Youngsters from Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis helped draw attention to the strategy's launch and the threat of climate change. They unveiled a sign on Lyme Regis beach warning that sea levels could rise by 80cms by 2080, as polar ice melts, which could put the town at increased risk of storm surges.

• Name: West Dorset Partnership
  Email: westdorsetpartnership@westdorset-dc.gov.uk
  Tel: 01305 252305
  Fax: 01305 251481
  Full details for West Dorset Partnership