News / Environment
Group to accelerate action on climate change in Bristol
Recognising that urgent action is needed to tackle the climate emergency, a cohort of organisations are joining forces to accelerate the pace of change.
Bristol Green Capital Partnership has set up the Climate Leaders group in a bid to progress work on sustainability and meet the city’s target to become carbon neutral by 2030 through identifying shared solutions and best practices.
Bristol Beacon, Bristol City Council, Burges Salmon, the Diocese of Bristol, Ecotricity, North Bristol NHS Trust, Pukka Herbs, SS Great Britain, Stride Treglown, UWE Bristol and We The Curious are among the organisations already involved.
Nina Skubala, the initiative manager at Business West, and Jessica Ferrow, co-founder of climate impact agency Twelve are chairing the group.
“I am excited to part of this cohort of brave businesses who recognise that urgent action is required to meet net zero and are willing to share their journey – the successes and challenges that will no doubt pave the way and inspire other businesses to follow suit,” said Nina.
Organisations are joining forces to accelerate the pace of change – photo courtesy of Stride Treglown
Jessica added: “Bristol has declared a climate emergency and is committed to be a carbon neutral and resilient city by 2030. Whilst this is exactly what science tells us needs to happen, it is a hugely ambitious aim, and puts Bristol 20 years ahead of the UK’s national net zero target.
“Becoming a carbon-neutral city can’t and won’t happen by accident, but if every organisation in Bristol develops a net zero roadmap, then we’ll get there together. For me, this Climate Leaders group is an essential part of driving positive action and accelerating that urgent transition. I’m delighted to be a part of it.”
Bristol Green Capital Partnership says organisations and businesses have a key role to play in helping the city to deliver the “urgent and transformative goals” in the One City Climate Strategy, including by reducing carbon emissions in their own operations.
The group will be welcoming organisations that have committed to be carbon neutral in their own operations by 2030 and have a plan for how they will reduce their emissions.
Lizzi Testani (left) says The challenges we face can only be solved by learning from each other and working collectively -Photo by Bhagesh Sachania
Lizzi Testani, Bristol Green Capital Partnership’s chief operating officer, said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing together this group of organisations that are committed to lead by example as part of Bristol’s efforts to address the climate emergency.
“The challenges we face can only be solved by learning from each other and working collectively, and we’re sure this group will enable and inspire others to do more.”
The group is part of a wider climate action programme to be launched in full by the partnership in early 2021, with support from sponsors NatWest and Bristol City Council. The programme will include a range of events and resources to enable organisations at all stages of their climate journey to reduce their carbon emissions.
Read more: Ten-year strategy for Bristol to confront ecological emergency
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