Is Bristol a leader in sustainability?

In 2018, Bristol became the first UK authority to declare a climate emergency.

Prompted by the decline of many birds, insects and mammals from the local areas, Marvin Rees hoped to take Bristol’s commitment to the climate further by declaring an emergency and announcing the One City Plan.

Since then, a plan has been developed and prevent wildlife habitats from being destroyed and creating and caring for wildlife-rich spaces in every part of the city.

Partners for Bristol’s urgent response surrounding the climate include the Bristol University, Bristol Zoo, the science and arts centre We The Curious, the SS Great Britain, and many more.

The One City Plan is “responding to the rapid and accelerating decline of our natural environment both locally and globally, in February 2020 Bristol became the first major city in the UK to declare an Ecological Emergency.”

“We subsequently launched the One City Ecological Emergency Strategy in September 2020, which outlined key steps for the city to take to restore the health of nature, on which we all depend for clean air, water and food.”

Bristol Youth Strike For Climate Stop Bristol Airport Actionaction.

And the plan is for Bristol to become a net-zero and climate-resilient city by 2030.

“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, on the plans.

“Our commitment to this will extend beyond parks and green spaces. We need our buildings, streets and open spaces to support wildlife and create a more nature-friendly city, and we need new developments to do the same.”

Bristol is definitely at the forefront and its commitment is an important step, however, how far are we to achieving the goals set out?

Today Bristol launched it’s first ever One City Plan describing how we will create a fair, healthy and sustainable city from now until 2050 https://t.co/xtSO59VZzP pic.twitter.com/BZDzR8NVwM

— Bristol City Council (@BristolCouncil) January 11, 2019

In 2020, Bristol achieved some key environmental milestones including the Bristol Bites Back Better campaign, which engaged businesses and individuals across the city to support Going for Gold – Bristol’s bid to build a resilient future through food and activity and become a Gold Sustainable Food City.

Last year, Bristol also saw the formation of a Climate Leaders group, of organisations aiming to become carbon neutral by 2030. The group shares learnings and accelerates progress and published the Bristol Climate Hub,  helping the public discover how everyone can all play their part in looking after the world.

This year, goals for the city include engaging citizens on pathways to achieving Bristol’s 2030 climate and ecological goals in the run-up to October’s COP26 conference.

To look more into Bristol’s journey to becoming a net-zero city, Bristol24/7 will be a hosting a panel event with experts from the Global Goals Centre, TLT, the Green and Black 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

Read more: ‘Think big and make Bristol real Green Capital’