New committee to lead on climate change

A new group tasked with leading Newcastle’s response to the climate emergency meets for the first time on Thursday 24 October.

The Climate Change Committee, launched by Newcastle City Council, will take evidence and recommendations from experts on tackling the climate crisis.

Meeting on a monthly basis, the Committee will be led by Leader of the Council, Cllr Nick Forbes and membership will include cabinet members and reflect the political make-up of the council.

Newly appointed cabinet member for communities and climate change, Clare Penny-Evans will also join the panel. Cllr Penny-Evans will work closely with the Leader to take forward the city’s climate change agenda.

Cllr Forbes said: ”I am delighted that the inaugural meeting of this important committee will take place this week and we can begin this important journey to tackle the biggest issue facing our city.

“We declared a climate emergency earlier this year and this is a real opportunity to make bold and once-in-a-generation plans for Newcastle, putting climate change at the heart of every decision we make.

“By working together across parties, cabinet portfolios and all council areas we can take a clear leadership role in not only reducing the council’s own carbon footprint but also by influencing a programme of interventions across the city through our policies, programmes, projects and services.

“But an issue this critical takes a whole-city approach and we will work collaboratively with businesses, universities, hospitals, the private sector, residents and communities to shape the city’s carbon-neutral future.”

The council has reduced its own carbon emissions by 33% since 2010 and see the Climate Change Committee as the driving force in reaching the net zero target across the city.

Focusing on the three main sources of emissions - transport, buildings and businesses – residents, organisations and experts from across key sectors will be invited before the committee to present evidence to develop innovative and effective solutions to climate change issues.

The Climate Change Committee is one of the three key ways of working announced by the council in its bid to tackle climate change. The others are to develop a Net Zero Taskforce and a Citizens’ Assembly across the North of Tyne combined authority.

More information and videos on what action that council is taking to tackle climate change can be found at www.newcastle.gov.uk/climatechange

The Climate Change Committee meets at 1.30pm on Thursday 24 October at Hall 3, Great North Museum: Hancock, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4PT

Agenda for the meeting is available at here

Climate Change Committee membership includes:

Councillor Nick Forbes, Leader of Newcastle City Council

Councillor Arlene Ainsley, cabinet member for transport and air quality

Councillor Ged Bell, cabinet member for employment and culture

Councillor Nick Kemp, cabinet member for environmental and regulatory services

Councillor Clare Penny-Evans, cabinet member for communities and climate change

Councillor Jane Byrne

Councillor Rob Higgins

Councillor Doreen Huddart

Councillor Gareth Kane

Councillor Stephen Lambert

Councillor Stella Postlethwaite

Councillor Wendy Taylor