Mayor asks West Yorkshire for views on climate emergency

16 November 2023

Communities are being invited to have their say on how West Yorkshire can become a greener region.

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin has today (November 16) launched her Big Climate Chat to find out what people think about climate change, what action needs to be taken and what support they need to make that happen.

The wide-ranging survey, which will run until February 2024, forms part of the Mayor’s plan to build a net zero region by 2038, with significant progress by 2030.

Face-to-face events will also be held in Leeds, Calderdale, Kirklees, Wakefield, and Bradford, next year to ensure younger people, those with disabilities and those who don’t have access to the internet can have their say.

When she was elected, the Mayor made tackling the climate and environment emergency one of her key pledges, alongside creating 1,000 new jobs for young people in the green sector.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority is already supporting people to travel more sustainably and lower their energy bills, as well as helping businesses become more energy efficient, as part of the bid to hit net zero.

Earlier this year, the Mayor launched a new community grants scheme to award up to £50,000 to climate-friendly projects across West Yorkshire.

The region is also home to the largest rapid charging network for electric vehicles outside of London.

Projects to improve the quality of homes through better insulation and cheaper, greener sources of energy such as solar panels and heat pumps are also underway across the region.

With £40 million of future investment pledged towards addressing climate change and improving the environment across West Yorkshire, the Mayor is calling for people to have their say on how to build a greener, more vibrant region.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:

“At a time when the government is risking the progress made on net zero, we’re determined to stick to our climate ambitions in West Yorkshire.

“Acting on climate change now will bring huge opportunities for the future – for our regional economy, our green sector, and our transport network.

“But change must come from the ground up, starting with local solutions to a global crisis.”

Visit www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/climate to take part.