How we can support progress towards a net-zero city

The climate emergency’s urgency is proving to be overwhelming and it can be difficult to scale the problem down to a level it can feel more manageable on an individual scale.

The Global Goal Centre is a UK based education charity creating exciting engaging experiences that inspire learning and action on climate and equality in our everyday lives.

Through their Bristol17 campaign, the Global Goals Centre is currently highlighting a different local hero every week and the work they are doing for each of the Sustainable Development Goals ahead of the major climate conference, COP-26, in November.

By highlighting 17 different organisations and individuals in Bristol who are achieving inspiring work towards a more sustainable world, the campaign provides actionable ideas for you to make a difference in our city and the world.

It comes at an important time. Bristol is set to become a net-zero and climate-resilient city by 2030.

Kirsty Hammond – campaigning for Affordable and Clean Energy as part of Global Goals Centre’s #Bristol17 project – photo courtesy of Global Goals Centre

“It is not too late to start the recovery of our wildlife. We must work together to grasp this last chance and put things right for nature and wildlife in our city. This declaration will provide a focus for the whole city to come together and take positive action,” said Marvin Rees, mayor of Bristol on the plans to become net-zero.

Jenny Foster is the project lead at the Global Goals Centre. She explains how the campaign has highlighted the amazing action of grassroots organisations and individuals in the city.

“By asking 17 different community organisations to nominate a hero for each of the 17 Global Goals we’ve managed to tell the stories of a wide range of people of different backgrounds, ages and genders. What’s been most inspiring is how they are all making such a huge contribution to sustainability by taking action within their sphere of influence – and by spreading their enthusiasm to others!”

The Bristol17 campaign nominates a different hero every week.

With only nine years remaining to become net-zero, there is still a lot of progress that must be made.

“We have a lot more work to do. And it needs to happen at every level – individuals changing their behaviour (such as reducing car journeys and energy use), communities sharing ideas and resources to enable everyone to access what they need (public transport, fresh food etc), and local government taking clear action,” says Jenny.

“However, I’m proud to be in a city that’s stepping up and taking leadership in this area – the IPCC report made it clear we have to make changes – and make them fast.”

To hear more about Bristol’s journey to becoming a net-zero city, Bristol24/7 will be hosting a panel event with Jenny Foster from the Global Goals Centre, and experts from TLT, the Black & Green ambassadors, and The Future Economy Group.

For more details and to register for the free panel event on September 16, visit: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/how-bristol-can-become-the-first-net-zero-city-tickets

The Bristol24/7 Presents event has been sponsored by TLT.

Main photo: Peter Brooks.

Read more: Is Bristol a leader in sustainability?