By KLTV Newsdesk –
Kirklees Council has announced they have joined a new partnership to tackle climate change for Yorkshire and the Humber region.
The Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission, set to launch formally March 17, aims to provide an independent voice to help support and track the delivery of ambitious climate actions across the region.
It is reported that leaders from businesses, utilities, unions, environmental groups and 22 councils from across Yorkshire and Humber are coming together to tackle the climate crisis head-on through the major new partnership.
What will the Commission do?
Those involved will focus on reducing carbon emissions as quickly as possible and ensuring people are prepared to cope with the impacts of climate change, such as flooding, heat waves and sea-level rise.
It is said that the work of the Commission will be based on the principles of inclusivity and a ‘just transition’ to help to ensure that no-one and no-where is left behind in the response to Climate Change.
It also aims to ensure that climate actions are sustainable and bring benefits to nature and local wildlife.
Kirklees’ own Climate Commission is currently being developed and is due to launch this Spring.
It will complement the Yorkshire Commission’s work, focussing on reducing the impacts of climate change, promoting carbon emissions reduction and bringing practical changes to local life.
‘Passionate about tackling climate change’
Speaking on Kirklees’ role within the Commission, Councillor Paul Davies, Cabinet Member for Culture and Greener Kirklees, said: “We’re excited to be part of the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission to collaborate with many different councils and organisations that are as passionate about tackling climate change as we are.
“The Commission will share advice, support and opportunities for becoming a net-zero and climate-resilient region.
“As a council, we have set ourselves an ambitious vision to be carbon neutral by 2038.
“We’re already making some steps towards our goal, from introducing more electric vehicles into our fleet, planting more trees, and looking at how we can improve recycling rates.
“But there’s always more we can do.
“I hope this collaboration with the Commission will help us to create stronger local plans that will help us find ways to face the challenge of reducing our environmental impact together.”
Other key partners in the Commission include the Environment Agency, Yorkshire Water, Northern Powergrid, Northern Gas Networks, the Trades Union Congress, Yorkshire Universities and the University of Leeds.