As leaders and representatives from 190 nations departed Glasgow at the end of the 26th Climate Change Conference (COP 26) people are asking how we can play our part in addressing the challenges of climate change.
Global initiatives and commitments to reach a target of limiting warming to 1.5 can seem distant to us in Stockport but in reality we are part of a joint effort to improve our areas as well as safeguarding the planet.
The United Nations conference hosted by the U.K. ended with a wide range of policies and commitments centred around the UK push for NetZero initiatives ranging from Financial support, combatting deforestation and Green Initiatives moving towards a phase out of coal power.
And in meetings with community and church based climate action groups over the past few months its clear that local people agree that change has to happen and we want to do our bit .
Cutting emissions from cars and homes will not only tackle air pollution but also ensure we are breathing healthier air so addressing issues of air pollution locally remains a priority. The A34 in Cheadle is ranked in Britain’s top 50 most polluted roads according to the Air Quality Index which is why Initiatives to address pinch points and design a long term strategy are top of my agenda.
However, making buses and trains an attractive alternative to cars is essential too, which is why the £1 billion budget boost to Greater Manchester for transport initiatives is a great step forward and sits alongside the £13.9 million funding I gained from the Government’s Towns Fund towards a new Cheadle Train Station. The Government has tasked the Greater Manchester Mayor with implementing plans to tackle air pollution and encouraging active travel as part of the drive to clean up the air we breathe and protect our planet.
Scenes of precious Brazilian rain forests being systematically destroyed have highlighted the importance of supporting less wealthy countries to realise financial benefits through sustaining this global ‘green lung’. Now over 100 leaders representing 85% of the world's forests will take landmark action to end deforestation by 2030 through the COP26 Forests Agreement.
Closer to home the Government’s Nature for Climate Fund is supporting Stockport Council together with ‘City of Trees’ in undertaking a phase of reforestation by planting up to 17,000 trees across Stockport.
It has been a historic leaders summit and a testament to what we can all do working towards a common goal to protect and preserve our planet for future generations.
