Hampshire residents are helping tackle climate change with over 550 householders investing in solar schemes.

Hampshire County Council's third Solar Together scheme has seen more than 550 households generating their own electricity, contributing to a reduction of over 59,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) over 25 years.

Hampshire's Repair Cafés have also played a role in cutting CO2 emissions by more than 50 tonnes, as residents opt for repairs instead of replacements.

These initiatives are detailed in the authority's Climate Change Annual Progress Report, presented on December 10.

These includes securing government investment for 62 electric buses, improving air quality in Fareham, Gosport, and Portsmouth.

Leader of the county council, Councillor Nick Adams-King said: "It’s very encouraging to see the great progress that continues to be made to tackle climate change and build resilience to the impacts of temperature change.

"Everyone has a role to play in helping Hampshire as a whole to reach net zero and this annual report shows how so many residents are taking action, either individually or within community groups. I wish to thank everyone who has played their part in this to date and continues to do so."

Councillor Zoe Huggins, the county council’s lead cabinet member for climate change mitigation, said: "Nationally and internationally, the climate change policy landscape is changing rapidly, so a key part of our focus over the next 12 months will be around responding to those changes and making the most of opportunities for the benefit of Hampshire’s residents, our economy, and the environment.

"However, the fact remains that making a difference relies on all of us taking action, the work of the County Council alone is not enough, and it is why schemes like Solar Together and community initiatives such as The Greening Campaign – which tackles climate change at a community level where everyone is included, and everyone has a role to play – are critical."

In the past year, Hampshire has planted 41,000 new trees as part of the Hampshire Forest Partnership.

Bridgemary Library in Gosport was also transformed into Hampshire's first 'Green Library', leading to a 70 per cent reduction in energy usage due to the installation of renewable energy sources.