Climate action online information and engagement hub launched
Wirral residents are able to generate a score for their personal carbon footprint then log it on a map of the borough to see how they compare to their neighbours and other residents.
That is one of the features of a new online Climate Action Hub that has launched recently and which is part of a wide-ranging community engagement project on climate action being undertaken by Wirral Council and the Cool Wirral partnership.
The hub provides an introduction as to what partners hope to achieve and gives residents the opportunity to express their opinions and thoughts on climate change – and Wirral’s approach to tackling it - as part of a borough-wide survey being hosted on the site.
The information gathered by the survey will be used to shape the engagement programme and help partners provide relevant advice and support to residents to empower them to take their own actions.
As well as the chance to take part in the survey, there is also a link to where residents can calculate their own current carbon footprint, then plot it on an electronic map of Wirral alongside other residents who have used the calculator.
The Cool Wirral partnership is made up of Wirral Council and local organisations such as housing associations, emergency services, local action groups, community groups and the faith sector.
The Cool 2 strategy sets a target for Wirral to be a net carbon neutral borough by 2041. Net carbon neutral means people taking out of the atmosphere the same or less carbon than they generate in their daily lives.
To achieve this target, a strategy, known as Cool 2, was developed and endorsed by all partners in December 2019 with a number of aims:-
- Generate and/or source all our local energy needs from zero carbon and renewable sources by around 2041
- Create a climate resilient Wirral by identifying where any vulnerabilities might be in the face of extreme weather and putting in place policies, practices and infrastructure to limit negative impacts
- Lead the way by raising awareness of the climate emergency and the opportunities and benefits of taking climate action, securing increased investment and developing even stronger partnerships and networks
Cllr Liz Grey, Chair of the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee for Wirral Council said:
Wirral can’t fulfil all of these aims without collective action. The Cool 2 strategy talks about how we can all play our part to help achieve carbon neutrality by 2041. These ways include switching from fossil fuel local travel by 2030, increasing tree and woodland cover and protecting soil and natural habitats.
We declared a climate emergency in Wirral in 2019 and the council is leading by example by aiming to be a net carbon neutral organisation by 2030. I hope as many residents as possible look into things they can do to contribute to reducing their own carbon footprint and the activities on the climate hub are a great way for people to start thinking about the steps they can take and areas in which they can reduce emissions.
People can get regular updates on climate related projects that the council and its partners are supporting and delivering by signing up to the Environment and Climate Emergency newsletter.
