'Solutions to global climate emergency start at the local level’ - Mayor of West Yorkshire’s message at COP26

9 November 2021

'Solutions to global climate emergency start at the local level.'

The Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, will attend the crucial UN climate summit, COP26, this week to deliver her message that solutions to the global emergency must start at a local level. 

She has been invited to take part in an International Mayors Panel event on Thursday, November 11, alongside other Mayors and leaders from around the globe. 

The Mayor will showcase the urgent action being taken in West Yorkshire by the Combined Authority and its partners to transition to a net zero carbon economy by 2038 at the latest. 

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: 

“The threat we face from climate change is real. It's happening right now - we can all see the impact it has on our weather, our wildlife and our health. 

“We have reached the tipping point and my message is clear - the climate and environment emergency we all face is a global one but the solutions start in our regions, cities, towns and rural areas. 

“We cannot allow this COP to be just a talking shop – we need urgent action to deliver on the promises made and we need the UK Government to empower regions like West Yorkshire with the funding and support they need to make sure all communities benefit from the transition to a net zero carbon economy.” 

In October, the West Yorkshire Climate and Environment Plan was launched which sets out how the Mayor will deliver on her manifesto pledges of tackling the climate and environment emergency and delivering new green jobs. 

It details how everyone in our region will benefit from a cleaner, greener transport network, energy efficient homes, improved air quality and more green spaces. 

The plan builds on the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s ongoing work to tackle the climate emergency which has contributed to an overall 38% reduction in carbon emissions in the Leeds City Region since 2005, compared to 27% nationally.     

The Mayor added: “We’ve made a strong start in our region but we need to go much further and faster. 

“The West Yorkshire Climate and Environment Plan makes it clear that now is the time for action – we cannot afford to delay.” 

The Plan is based on a detailed scientific study, the Carbon Emission Reduction Pathways, which was carried out in 2020 looking at all sectors of the regional economy and examining how and when they could decarbonise.   

The plan focuses on priority themes for action, which are fair and inclusive for all, including:   

• Decarbonising transport and increasing walking, cycling and use of public transport  
• Creating sustainable green jobs, training and upskilling opportunities, and supporting businesses to become greener and use clean power  
• Delivering warm, energy-efficient, affordable homes and workplaces   
• Delivering additional flood risk management schemes to protect homes and businesses  
• Increasing protection and access to nature for all  

• Creating more local, clean and renewable energy   
• Increasing low carbon and sustainable food production and consumption