News / Bristol Green Capital Partnership
‘First-of-its-kind’ community climate panel launches
A panel designed to bring community insight to Bristol’s planning and decision-making has launched.
The Community Leadership Panel on Climate Change and Just Transition comprises members of Bristol Green Capital Partnership’s (BGCP) Community Climate Action project, which supported groups to design environmental action plans based on specific local community needs.
Amy Harrison, BGCP Community Partnerships lead, said, “We’re excited to be launching the panel, believed to be the first of its kind in the country.
is needed now More than ever
“Community leaders are experts of their place. Their lived experience can make climate and nature action an opportunity to improve the lives of local people.”
The panel consists of representatives from Ambition Lawrence Weston, Ashley Community Housing, Eastside Community Trust, Heart of BS13 and Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust, and members with lived experience of disability and race equity.
Its mission is to bring a climate justice lens to strategic thinking and planning in the city.
It is inviting expressions of interest from ‘external parties who are planning significant and strategic projects or policies which will have an impact on climate, nature and communities.’
The panel will meet to discuss these projects in five sessions through 2024, in February, April, June, October and November.
BGCP has said representatives of these parties should be senior level and warned projects must be at an early enough stage for recommendations to meaningfully have impact, stating the panel “is NOT a tokenistic, tick box community consultation exercise.”
The panel in action at one of the 2023 pilot sessions – photo: Bristol Green Capital Partnership
Those who brought projects to the panel in 2023’s pilot sessions have said it was a positive experience.
“The panel is made up of a knowledgeable, insightful group of people. It’s not often you’re lucky enough to get genuine feedback from a collective representing so much of our city in one room,” said James Sterling of Bristol City Leap.
And the council’s Kathy Derrick said, “I received a thoughtful and relevant discussion on the Bristol Heat Resilience Strategy…I would definitely recommend the panel to others.”
Panel member Suzanne Wilson, Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust chief executive, is looking forward to exploring how community experience and insights can be valued in city decision making.
“Climate action is more effective if it has leadership and support from local communities. We hope the panel will make this possible and increase the chances of a just transition,” she added.
To find out more about bringing a project to the panel visit: bristolgreencapital.org/projects/communities-and-just-transition-panel/
This piece of independent journalism is supported by The Extra Mile and the Bristol24/7 public and business membership. Main photo: Bristol Green Capital Partnership
If you have a climate story please get in touch: ursula@bristol247.com
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