Time is running out for people to have their say on a major new plan outlining Calderdale’s steps towards a zero-carbon future.
The Calderdale draft Climate Action Plan has been jointly created by the Calderdale Climate Action Partnership which includes a range of partner organisations and local communities across the borough. It sets out what needs to be done in Calderdale before 2025 to help cut carbon emissions and achieve our goal of net zero by 2038.
People have been invited to comment on the plan by completing a short survey at www.calderdale.gov.uk/ClimateActionPlan. The feedback received will help to shape the final plan and determine which actions are the priorities for investment.
So far, over 300 individuals have shared their feedback on the draft plan but there’s not long left for people to have their say. The Council is encouraging people to take a look at the plan and complete the survey before the deadline of Sunday 20th November. In addition to the short survey, there’s also the opportunity for people to share more detailed feedback, if preferred. Visit www.calderdale.gov.uk/ClimateActionPlan for all the details.
The plan covers the whole of Calderdale and it will affect everyone that lives, works, and visits the borough. As such, it’s important that people share their thoughts, to ensure the plan is clear, easy to understand and addresses the issues that are most important.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Resilience, Cllr Scott Patient, said:
“The impacts of climate change are currently being highlighted on the global stage, as world leaders attend the COP27 summit, being held in Egypt.
“Although there’s no doubt that climate change is a global issue, local actions are so important in helping us tackle the climate emergency. We want to make sure we’re doing all that we can locally to play our part and Calderdale’s draft Climate Action Plan sets out the action that needs to be taken in the borough before 2025 to help us achieve net zero targets.
“The deadline for the end of the consultation is fast approaching and Calderdale residents and businesses are urged to have their say on the plan to bolster climate action in the borough and help us build a better, greener and more resilient Calderdale.”
The draft Climate Action Plan has been developed by Calderdale’s Climate Action Partnership, made up of the Council, Calderdale Youth Council, local businesses, the voluntary and community sector, the NHS and local housing organisations. It covers six key areas:
- Using our shared voice for climate action.
- Enabling communities to take action.
- Creating warm and resilient buildings.
- Growing a green economy.
- Transforming transport and getting around, including increasing the use of public transport and opportunities for active travel such as walking and cycling.
- Using nature and land to help reduce carbon emissions and protect us in the long-term. This includes restoring our beautiful countryside, protecting our precious animal, bird, insect and plant species, and creating more green spaces that everyone can enjoy.
Tackling climate change will also bring other benefits, such as addressing rising energy costs and recovering from the pandemic. Many of the actions will help improve our quality of life and reduce the cost of living. For example, insulating our homes will reduce energy bills; creating low-traffic neighbourhoods will make our streets safer and healthier; and buying locally will create local jobs and boost our economy.
Watch a short video of Cllr Scott Patient talking about the Climate Action Plan consultation at www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaQbo6mcNsw(external link)
Join the path to a brighter future and learn more about Calderdale’s climate action: www.calderdale.gov.uk/v2/council/our-vision/climate-emergency#our-path
Building resilience is a key theme of the Vision 2024 for Calderdale. The year 2024 marks Calderdale’s 50th birthday and there are less than two years to go. Where do we want to be by 2024? What’s our ambition and what will be different? Find out more at www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision
ENDS