“Climate change is the biggest threat we’re facing and we all need to take action. We’re delighted that Holme Valley Parish Council has declared a Climate Emergency, and that they’ve agreed to establish a
working group to create an Action Plan for reducing our carbon emissions” said HoTT.
By declaring a Climate Emergency, Holme Valley Parish Council joins Kirklees, almost 50 local authorities, nine town councils and one other parish council throughout the UK that have committed to become carbon neutral by 2030 or shortly after.
“The challenge now is to make sure this declaration is more than just words. We want this commitment to translate into real action that reduces carbon emissions at local level,” added HoTT.
HoTT is already taking action: promoting renewable energy and energy conservation, growing food locally, improving recycling and encouraging sustainable transport within the Holme Valley. The charity has also established the Bright Green Community Trust, which provides grants of up to £3,000 for projects in the Holme Valley Parish that benefit the community and reduce carbon emissions. Grant applications re-open in May and can be accessed via One Community (one-community.org.uk).
It’s anticipated that by declaring a Climate Emergency, Holme Valley Parish Council can work with community organisations like HoTT and play its part in moving the region closer to a carbon neutral future.
“We might only be one small area, but it’s amazing the difference that individuals can make. The Youth Strike for Climate started with a 14-year-old Swedish girl, Greta Thunberg, now millions of young people
worldwide are calling for our generation to act against climate change. By declaring a Climate Emergency for the Holme Valley Parish it shows that it is not only listening but acting,” said HoTT.
Expert opinion is that we have until 2030 to reduce carbon emissions significantly if we’re to avoid global temperatures from rising above 1.5oC. Holme Valley Parish Council has chosen to act and HoTT is fully committed to helping the Council achieve its carbon neutral status by
2030.
If you are concerned about the impact of Climate Change and want to help make a difference here in the Holme Valley, do get in touch!
Janet Williams
Chair, Holmfirth Transition Town group
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