By KLTV Newsdesk –
A new opportunity has arisen for local businesses to shape how Kirklees can help tackle the climate emergency and protect the local area now and for future generations.
The Kirklees Climate Commission – whose advisory panel has been meeting since the beginning of the year – is now recruiting for members, with applications open for a number of Commissioners to represent the private, public and third sectors from across the district.
Though the creation of the commission is being run by Kirklees Council, it will be run independently with initial support provided where required.
Aims of the Commission
Major organisations and key groups will be brought together to collaborate on taking action to address climate change.
The commission aims to have balanced representation from across the different sectors and communities that make up Kirklees and will strive to promote inclusion and diversity.
Kirklees Council says they are seeking applications from leaders in business, across the public sector and key community and environmental groups who would like to become Commissioners, or the Commission Chair, ahead of its first formal meeting in July 2021.
The roles are voluntary and require a commitment of up to 5 days a year, with the aim to help shape and guide climate actions across the district.
Successful applications will be in the post for three years.
‘A challenge we must rise to’
Speaking on the opportunity, Councillor Will Simpson, Cabinet Member for Culture and Greener Kirklees said: “Tackling the climate emergency is a challenge that we must rise to – and is an absolute priority for the council.
“Creating the Climate Commission is an important initial step in our plans to reach ‘net zero’ carbon emissions by 2038.
“The commission itself will be independent of Kirklees Council but will promote leadership on climate change as well as providing independent advice, best practice, and act as a forum where partners can exchange ideas.”
Cllr Simpson added that the commission aims to complement the newly established Yorkshire & Humber Climate Commission’s work, adding that it is “focussing on reducing the impacts of climate change, promoting carbon emissions reduction, and bringing practical changes to local life.”
‘Cleaner, healthier and greener future’
Owing to his work in industry and agriculture, Jimmy Dickinson, owner of Longley Farms in Holmfirth and a member of the Kirklees Climate Commission Advisory Panel is well aware of the scale of the challenge ahead.
He said: “After the targets, the pious hopes and the aspirations, comes the reality of making it happen. Being a Climate Change Commissioner is one way of being in at the start of helping Kirklees to move further along the road to a cleaner, healthier and greener future.
“This isn’t going to be an easy ride and the Commission will need creative input in abundance in looking not only at where we want to be, but also, how to get there.
“But it’s not all doom and gloom, with so many exciting possibilities for what can be achieved with a bit of thought, tenacity and vision.”
Those interested in joining the Kirklees Climate Commission can find out more by visiting www.kirkleesclimate.org.uk.
The deadline for applications is Monday 14 June 2021 at 12pm.