As part of Great Big Green Week, Waverley Borough Council hosted a Climate Action Workshop at The Burys last Friday, delivered by David Faraday of What Next? Godalming.
Attendees looked at the effect that greenhouse gas emissions are having on our climate and what action needs to be taken to reduce emissions and keep global warming within a safe range.
Cllr Steve Williams, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, said:
“It was fantastic to see so many people in the borough, including councillors, council employees and local residents get involved in Great Big Green Week. These workshops, which we have hosted in previous years for local students, give attendees a real chance to better understand the critical importance of action on climate change, and learn about the most effective strategies to address the problem.
“As a council working towards carbon neutrality by 2030, sustainability is a key priority in our corporate plan. We’re building sustainable homes, reducing carbon emissions from our fleet vehicles and our leisure centres, rolling out electric vehicle charging points and solar canopies in our car parks, planting trees and hedgerows, boosting biodiversity in our green spaces and much more.
“But real change happens when we all get involved — and that’s what Great Big Green Week is all about.”
Dr David Faraday, Chair of Trustees, What Next?, added:
"What Next’s mission, as an environmental micro-charity, is to raise awareness and inspire action in addressing the climate crisis. So, it was a pleasure for our volunteers to deliver a Climate Action Workshop, in collaboration with Waverley Borough Council, in the Council Chambers on Friday 13th June. Our workshops allow participants to explore possible actions, both individual and systemic, and see the likely impact of these actions using the En-Roads Climate Simulator from Climate Interactive, a freely available on-line resource.
"On Friday, participants explored the complexities of designing successful climate action policies, and discovered that paths to a sustainable future do exist, but that concerted action across a range of policy areas is required to achieve a sustainable outcome. Next week, we are looking forward to running a series of negotiation-based workshops for students from Godalming College."
Want to know more?
To find out what we’re doing to make Waverley a greener, healthier, and more sustainable place to live: Sustainability & Conservation | Waverley Borough Council
For our Climate Change & Sustainability Strategy and our Carbon Neutrality Action Plan: Climate Change Strategy & Action Plan | Waverley Borough Council
You can also share your views and join the conversation: Have Your Say Today - Waverley Borough Council - Commonplace
For further information on What Next? and their programmes, workshops and events, visit the What Next? website.