Join the path to a brighter future

A major new plan outlining Calderdale’s steps towards a zero-carbon future has been launched for consultation, and local people are invited to have their say, help shape the actions and consider how they can contribute.

The Climate Action Plan has been jointly created by the Council, 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 to net zero by 2038, with significant progress by 2030.

Up until 20 November 2022, people can complete the short survey at www.calderdale.gov.uk/ClimateActionPlan to give their feedback on the Climate Action Plan, to make sure it is clear and easy to understand and addresses the issues that are most important to Calderdale residents and businesses. The feedback will help shape the final plan and determine which actions are the priorities for investment.

Protecting the planet and Calderdale’s distinctive environment is especially important because local people have experienced first-hand the huge impact, cost and devastation that climate change can have for residents, businesses and our place, with several major floods in recent years.

Tackling the climate crisis is a joint effort and affects us all, and we can all play our part. A new Climate Action Partnership has recently been formed in Calderdale, made up of the Council, Calderdale Youth Council, local businesses, the voluntary and community sector, the NHS and local housing organisations.

The Partnership will oversee the delivery of the initial three-year Climate Action Plan for Calderdale, which sets out how we will work together to:

• Use our shared voice for climate action.
• Enable communities to take action.
• Create warm and resilient buildings.
• Grow a green economy.
• Transform transport and getting around, including increasing the use of public transport and opportunities for active travel such as walking and cycling.
• Use 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 plan’s 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 our short video of Cllr Scott Patient talking about the Climate Action Plan consultation: www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaQbo6mcNsw

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 50^th 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