Copeland residents have stepped forward in response to the climate change crisis.
Thirty residents joined Copeland Borough Council’s people’s panel in July and will now propose formal recommendations to the council and other organisations taking part, on where their priorities should lie to achieve the ambition of becoming a net-zero carbon borough.
Copeland People’s Panel on Climate Change met on 12 occasions, guided by environmental experts, to discuss what changes could be implemented to reduce Copeland’s carbon footprint and create a more sustainable future.
The panel was made up of a diverse range of Copeland residents who applied to join in June through a selection process that made sure the members represented the overall makeup of Copeland’s communities.
The group was asked to focus on understanding what we should all do in our homes, business and local area to respond to climate change.
Residents are invited to find out about the recommendations at an online event on Wednesday, October 20 from 6.30pm until 8.30pm.
At the launch event, members of the panel will explain the process they followed and the recommendations they reached, and why.
Councillor Andy Pratt, Copeland’s portfolio holder for environment and inclusive communities, said: “The panel has spent more than 30 hours getting to grips with the effects of climate change both locally and nationally.
“A wide range of environmental experts and specialists in their field have provided valuable insight and expertise, giving the panel the information and guidance they needed to create a series of knowledgeable and insightful recommendations.
“Through deliberation, the panel members have broadened their understanding of issues surrounding transport, education, energy generation and behaviour change, and have come together to create a proposal for positive and long-lasting change, for their community and the environment.
“We’re incredibly passionate, in Copeland, about becoming a net-zero carbon borough, and these recommendations are just the start of our work to build a sustainable future for generations to come.”
The recommendations will be put forward to councillors at the next meeting of the council’s Climate Steering Group on October 12, before being considered by the executive committee and full council.
To find out more about Copeland People’s Panel on Climate Change and to register for the event visit www.copeland.gov.uk/copeland-peoples-panel-climate-change.
The Copeland People’s Panel on Climate Change is part-funded by the National Lottery Community Fund as part of the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership’s ambitious emission reduction programme to make Cumbria carbon neutral by 2037.
