Residents can help tackle the global climate emergency by sharing their ideas for making Bolton a cleaner and greener place to live.
Bolton Council and local partners are working to develop a 10-year climate change action plan for the borough – and residents and businesses can now contribute their suggestions and priorities in an online survey.
In 2019, the council declared a climate emergency, in common with many other towns and cities in the UK. At the same time, the council committed to a low carbon future by setting an ambitious target to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030.
People now have until January 29th 2021 to take part in an online consultation which asks local residents to think about the best options for reducing carbon emissions.
The Climate Emergency Survey asks people how important they think climate change is as an issue, and what measures might help them to reduce their own carbon footprint.
More cycle lanes, allotments, electric vehicle charging points and car sharing are just some of the options being considered – as well as home energy efficiency measures and encouraging people to walk to school or work.
The council had hoped to host a series of face to face climate change engagement events during 2020, however these had to be cancelled because of Covid-19. It’s hoped that shifting the consultation online will encourage more people to have their say.
The survey has been put together by Bolton Vision Partnership, a group of local organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors who work together to improve life in Bolton.
Cllr Adele Warren, Bolton Council’s Cabinet Member for Environmental Services Delivery, said: “We all have a stake in this vital issue which has not gone away during the covid-19 pandemic. This year may have been dominated by coronavirus, but the threat from rising temperatures brought about by centuries of rising carbon emissions is still the planet’s biggest challenge.
“Over the next decade we are committed to driving carbon emissions down in Bolton. As a council that means we aim to be net zero carbon by 2030. But if we are to have a meaningful plan in place for a cleaner, greener future it’s vital that local people tell us what they consider to be their most important.“
“Taking a few minutes to share your views now will help us to set the right priorities for Bolton in the years ahead. Tell us what measures would help you to reduce your own carbon footprint – and what things are currently stopping you from being more environmentally friendly. How important is this issue to you, and are we doing enough to tackle the problem?”
Bolton Vision Partnership brings together senior leaders from the council, the voluntary, community and faith sectors, the private sector, education providers, and health, housing and emergency services.
Jon Lord, Group Chief Executive Officer at local social housing provider Bolton at Home is chair of the Bolton Vision Partnership subgroup responsible for delivering strong and engaged communities.
He said: “Climate change is the great challenge of our time – it is a real and present danger every bit as serious as coronavirus. It’s understandable that this year our focus has been on the pandemic – but it’s vital we take action now at alocal and global level to tackle the issue of rising temperatures. Our future depends on it.
“The Climate Emergency survey will help us understand what matters to people in Bolton – and what they want us to prioritise. Whether you live, work or learn here please tell us what you think. It’s vital we gather as many views as possible from across our diverse borough: from our residents, our businesses and from our community and voluntary sectors.
“During 2020, the Bolton family came together to fight the Covid-19 virus. Now it’s time for us to come together again to tackle the other great threat we face.
“Switching to a low carbon economy doesn’t have to be painful however – there are opportunities as well as challenges. The prize is a cleaner, greener, healthier future, with more skilled jobs in the new low carbon economy. It can be a genuine win-win.”
To take part in the Bolton Climate Emergency Survey visit bolton.gov.uk/climatesurvey.