 Heavy industries in Newcastle declined in the second half of the 20th century; with office, service and retail employment now becoming the city's staples.The city was recognised for its commitment to environmental issues, with a programme planned for Newcastle to become "the first Carbon Neutral town" however those plans have slipped considerably and they now hope to be carbon neutral by 2050.Newcastle is the commercial, educational and, in partnership with nearby Gateshead, the cultural focus for North East England.