Many town and parish councils in Cornwall have declared a climate emergency. Many others continue to consult their communities about what climate actions and projects to undertake.
Climate change charity Ashden have developed a toolkit which you may find of use. The toolkit demonstrates how action on climate change can deliver local benefits, including:
Improved health
Increased equality and social cohesion
Economic opportunities
Increased resilience
Ashden have written 31 Climate Actions for Councils in partnership with Friends of the Earth.
Town and Parish Councils will know their local community's needs and challenges best, but below are some general areas to consider.
Come together
Come together and share learning on developing climate action plans.
Form a local climate action group. If you want to look outside Cornwall, Climate Emergency UK have an UK Climate Emergency Network. Locally, there is the Cornwall Climate Action Network. Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum host a Climate and Environment Alliance.
Cornwall's Climate Response Hive
We are working to support you and your communities and local groups. We have an online engagement web platform.
The Hive is an online space to share information and ideas.
It shows how individuals, communities, and organisations are leading the way in Cornwall. There are lots of resources to inspire all of us.
Please feel free to link to the Hive from your own website. Promote it in your newsletters and messages to people who live in your local area. Email us at climatechange@cornwall.gov.uk if you would like us to send you information and graphics to help you promote the Hive.
Find out your carbon footprint
Information about Cornwall's carbon footprint and Cornwall Council's carbon footprint can be found on our climate and energy pages. Some communities have commissioned their own report. This enables them to know their baseline and also highlight areas where they can make the biggest impact in reducing emissions.
You can also use one of the free tools available - find out more on the Hive.
Our Hive has toolkits and guides for taking action
It's a good idea to pool ideas on reducing your council's and your community's carbon footprint. These ideas could include:
Switching your energy supplier to a 100% renewable supplier.
Changing your light bulbs to LEDs in community buildings.
Using recycled paper (reducing paper usage where possible).
Ensuring you recycle everything you can.
Cornwall VSF's Green Footsteps Guide is a helpful resource
Create a plan with defined targets
Draw up a carbon reduction action plan and agree reduction targets.
Lead by example
Commit to using less paper at council meetings and to supplying locally sourced food and drink.
Discourage the use of single-use plastics (i.e. bottled water) and single use cups, plates or cutlery. Encourage members to bring their own reusable cups.
Look at investments and supplier contracts. Divert funds from fossil fuels and companies using unsustainable practices. Where possible, buy local.
If it's possible, install better insulation, solar panels and other renewable energy options in community buildings.
Spread the word
One of the most important roles town and parish councils can play is in helping their communities learn about the climate emergency.
You could consider holding energy saving pop-up advice surgeries or information evenings. You could also allow your community buildings to be used to bring people together, for the benefit of the community.
Champion innovation and inclusiveness
There are many ways you can champion innovation and inclusiveness.
Encourage community projects that reduce carbon emissions.
Encourage the adoption of clean energy and the use of electric vehicles.
Champion schemes that help people out of fuel poverty (such as community renewable energy schemes).
Enable mobility and easier access to green spaces.
Commission or raise funds for thermal imaging scans of properties to look at energy efficiencies that could be made.
Research and promote grant schemes for residents and organisations.
Look at bulk purchasing schemes for solar panels.
Newsletter on Cornwall's climate response
Keep-up-to date with how Cornwall Council, organisations, and communities across Cornwall are taking action for better human and environmental health. Get in touch with us to share what's happening in your local area.