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Bristol Greens call for action on climate change in wake of global heatwave
With temperatures in the UK reaching record highs recently, shops have witnessed sunscreen, hats and ice cold drinks flying off the shelves.
But aside from the minor inconveniences of sunburn and infinite thirst, there lies an even deeper issue that many people fail to see: climate change.
As the heatwave swept across the globe, scientists concluded that these temperatures were made twice as likely to happen because of climate change.
is needed now More than ever
In the wake of this revelation, Bristol’s Green councillors are calling for the city to take “concrete action” to tackle climate change – something they argue is needed if Bristol is to meet its target of being carbon neutral by 2050.
Charlie Bolton is calling for concrete action to combat climate change
“Climate change predicts more extreme weather events, and this is exactly what we are seeing,” said Charlie Bolton, a Green councillor for Southville.
“Our city is demonstrating a lack of resilience to this period of hot weather, be it people being unable to sleep, our waste collections struggling to cope or the grass in our parks dying.
“A long-term year vision is all very well, but we also need concrete action now to help our city both adapt to and help address climate change.
“Just saying we are a cycling city does not make it true. We need the networks and the training to go with it. But, we also need to be a walking city, and a bus and train city.
“Our hugely ambitious house-building programme must make sure that all new homes contribute to making Bristol a more carbon-neutral city and the city needs to be putting in place energy efficiency retro-fitting schemes as soon as possible.
“We need much, much more renewable energy generation that provides clean, green energy for everyone. And we don’t need these things in the coming decades – we need them now.”
Bristol Airport says it is making sustainable growth a priority
Bolton argued that the city needs the political will to prioritise climate change action – whether this be through imposing a controversial congestion zone, or opposing the expansion of Bristol Airport.
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Read more: Latest on Bristol Airport master plan revealed
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The airport has pledged to prioritise sustainable growth as part of its plans, saying: “by operating efficiently, promoting procedures which reduce energy use and investing in renewable technology we will be net carbon neutral by 2030.
“We will also look to enhance natural habitats for wildlife and local green infrastructure, and improve the visual appearance of the airport from beyond our boundary through thoughtful use of landscaping.”
But the Green group is opposed to the airport’s expansion and sceptical of the commitment to sustainability.
Carla Denyer has criticised airport expansion plans
Speaking on the subject, Carla Denyer, Green councillor for Clifton Down, has said: “The airport must develop a workable road map to full decarbonisation before the expansion plans are agreed”.
Bolton added that climate change should inform the discussion on every decision made in the city.
Read more: Grandparents protest against climate change
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