Local people invited to have their say on climate change actions to reduce emissions in the borough
Telford and Wrekin Borough Climate Change Partnership today launches a public consultation on its draft action plan for the borough to help tackle the climate crisis.
In 2019, Telford & Wrekin Council committed to its operations being carbon neutral by 2030, with an aspiration for the borough to meet this same target.
To support this commitment, last year the council began working with partners comprising a cross-section of over 30 local organisations including businesses, educational establishments, community groups, town and parish councils and other public sector organisations to set up the Telford and Wrekin Borough Climate Change Partnership.
Together, the partnership identified the climate change challenges that could be addressed locally and created a draft Climate Change Action Plan for the borough.
The partnership is now seeking input from local people to comment on the plan and provide suggestions for future actions that could be included.
To see the action plan and submit feedback and ideas, Telford and Wrekin residents are invited to visit: www.sustainabletelfordandwrekin.com/Partnershipactionplan
Comments can be submitted until Friday 16 July 2021.
Cllr Carolyn Healy, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Green Spaces, Natural and Historic Environment, said:
“We’ve already made excellent progress in reducing our carbon footprint in the borough – we saw a 36% decrease in emissions from the council’s operations in 2019/20 compared to the previous baseline year. And our Climate Change Fund has just awarded over £100,000 in grants to 31 local organisations to fund projects that help them reduce their carbon footprint.
“But there’s more to do to achieve our carbon neutral target, so we’re delighted to be working with community partners on this borough-wide project.
“For people who’d like to find out more about our Climate Change Action Plan or ask any questions about the consultation, I’ll be hosting a ‘virtual’ live Q&A session on Facebook with a panel made up of members of our partnership in July – details will be posted on Telford & Wrekin Council’s social media channels soon.”
Susanne Bearblock, Partnership Lead, local Sustainability Consultant and Eco Committee Lead at Hollinswood Primary School & Nursery, added:
“We’ve had lots of ideas but we’d love to hear where local people would like us to focus our climate change efforts. It’s really easy to submit feedback – just follow the link to the consultation website.
“We’re keen to hear from the next generation too, so we’ll be working with schools to get children involved.
“They’ll be encouraged to advance their own learning through an interactive workshop, with groups of children working together to research six main themes including renewable energy; sustainable transport; trees and biodiversity; growing food and farming; learning and sharing; and business and industry. Sharing what they’ve learned with their peers, the children will then vote together to put forward their priorities for sustainable action in the borough.”
