In March 2020, the council established a Climate Change Working Group and agreed an initial plan of action as a result of work involving local groups, experts and people from all ages.

One of their objectives was to develop a fuller Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan and following a great deal of work undertaken by the cross-party group in the last year, a draft plan has been produced.

It focuses on six key areas and identifies actions which can be taken to help address climate change. They are:
 
•    Growing the low carbon economy – skills and infrastructure 
•    Retro-fitting homes and buildings 
•    Decarbonisation of transport & reducing road miles 
•    Planning to deliver zero carbon development that protects and enhances nature 
•    Reducing waste and encouraging sustainable consumption: within Allerdale Borough Council estate and residents/businesses 
•    Restoring nature for all: Biodiversity, land use, land use change and forestry 

The council is continuing to work alongside a number of stakeholder groups to develop this plan but is also keen to hear the views of local residents and businesses. An opportunity to give feedback on the draft plan is now open and comments can be taken until Tuesday, April 6 2021.

Cllr Marion Fitzgerald, deputy leader and Executive member for policy, governance and people resources, said: “The council has a vision for a low carbon future and helping to address climate change is a key part of our 10-year Council Strategy. We’ve heard the calls from our communities for us to take action and this plan is the starting point for that.

“Thank you to everyone who has been involved in this process so far and we look forward to receiving more feedback from residents, businesses and other stakeholders.”

Cllr Sally Lansbury, Climate Change Working Group chair, said: “This Council’s direct influence on carbon emissions is estimated at only around three per cent of the total for the area, but we can also influence around a third of an area’s emissions through place shaping, partnerships and policies.  This plan has been developed across political parties of the Council and requires climate actions to be embedded across all of our functions, policies and service areas.

“‘The Climate Change Action Plan was initiated by a community-led campaign and we need that active role to continue.  We will continue to engage with our communities and partners across the borough to take significant steps to address one of the most important challenges of our age.”

To view the plan and make comment, go to: https://www.allerdale.gov.uk/en/your-environment/climate-change/climate-change-action-plan/.
 

*Image taken in 2019 during a climate change stakeholder workshop