As delegates gather for COP26, Bolton continues to make progress on its own Climate Change Strategy and the council’s ambition to make the borough cleaner and greener.
The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) officially opened in Glasgow on Sunday, focusing the world’s attention on measures to protect the environment.
To coincide with COP26, the council has reviewed the progress that has already been made as Bolton plays its part in the global fight against climate change.
In September, the council formally adopted its Climate Change Strategy, setting out key targets and highlighting the priorities to local residents.
During a public consultation, residents said they wanted to see more trees planted across Bolton.
The council has committed to planting 15 hectares of new woodlands in support of the Greater Manchester tree and woodland strategy, ‘All Our Trees’.
In 2021 the council with its partner, the charity City of Trees, created 7.58 hectares of new woodland with over 13,500 new trees across 11 sites.
Renewable energy was listed as another local priority and work is already underway to make council buildings more energy efficient.
Solar panels and air source heat pumps are being installed across the council estate as part of the Public Sector Decarbonisation scheme.
The Climate Strategy also reaffirms the council’s commitment to working with community groups and voluntary organisations to put environmental issues at the heart of life in Bolton.
Some of this work has been supported by Bolton’s Fund, a voluntary sector grants programme delivered by Bolton Council, NHS Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group, Bolton at Home and Bolton CVS.
Alongside the money provided by the fund for environmental projects, £5,000 was ringfenced specially to encourage young people to engage with the scheme.
Among the successful applicants was Bolton Youth Voice, who won a grant to develop a swap shop.
They said: “At Bolton Youth Voice, we feel is important for young people to develop a plan for something and actually see it through and put it in motion.
“As young people, we don’t just want tokenism with young people and so we have been really inspired that we have been supported to see through this idea and put this into action inspiring us as young people to continue to make positive changes in Bolton.
“We are really keen for our borough-wide swap shop to take place in partnership with Bolton Teenage Markets after Christmas, but to raise awareness and support for COP26 this week we have organised some mini swap shops which will take place at a few of our youth centres in Bolton.
“We hope that these swop shops will help to expand young people’s understanding of fast fashion and climate change.”
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Cllr Adele Warren, said:
“As world leaders gather in Glasgow to debate the climate crisis, it is important to remember that protecting the environment is everybody’s responsibility.
“That is why Bolton Council is proud to join other organisations, of all sizes, in committing to making greener choices and reducing our emissions.
“It is also why we are proud to have worked with our partners in Bolton’s Fund to support local groups to organise their own climate projects.
“We are particularly pleased to see so many young people taking part by applying for the ringfenced funding for youth-led projects.
“With the climate agenda in the spotlight like never before, now is a good time to take stock of the achievements we have already made and refocus on what still needs to be done.”