BURITON parishioners have been set a new-year challenge - to pledge to take small steps to help combat climate change.

Households have been asked to do just one thing - or one thing more - in 2022 to cut the carbon they put into the atmosphere.

The challenge has been set by the new Buriton Climate Change Group, set up by Buriton Parish Council.

The group aims to investigate ways to cut carbon emissions.

A group spokesman said: "We know many parishioners are taking steps to combat climate change.

"And we know all the major things that need to be done in the next few years can be pretty daunting.

"But we hope householders will feel able to take small steps that can equal big changes."

The challenges include switching to three plant-based meals a week.

This diet change can trim up to a tonne from a household’s carbon footprint a year.

Other changes include turning central heating down a degree, walking and cycling and using public transport more.

The group is also encouraging residents to look at improving their homes’ insulation and buying more second- hand goods.

"It’s surprising how much you can cut your carbon footprint by doing some relatively straightforward things," the spokesman added.

Bigger pledges could include replacing a petrol or diesel car with a hybrid or fully-electric vehicle, or retrofitting a house with a renewables heating system.

The spokesman said: "Small steps can equal some really big changes.

"People could even make it their new-year’s resolution to take up the challenge.

"Imagine what a contribution we could make if every household took part in the challenge in 2022.

"We’d reduce the parish’s carbon footprint by hundreds of tonnes a year and help save the planet."

The idea of a climate change group was suggested in May after a special climate change meeting of the parish council - a theme continued at the village show in August.

Members heard climate change could affect Buriton in a number of ways - storms and droughts, farmland fires, effects on nature and increased population as sea levels rise, potentially leading to more houses.

Responses to these challenges will require action to reduce the severity of climate change and adjusting to new living conditions.

Find details about the new climate change group on the website www.buriton.info