Following public consultation last year, the City Council has now finalised its Climate Change Strategy, which will guide the city up to 2030.
The strategy and action plan will be considered by the Council’s Cabinet on 5th November and full Council on 3rd December.
The strategy sets out how the Council plans to tackle the causes and consequences of climate change, working alongside partners, businesses and communities to create a more sustainable city.
The Strategy sets out the challenges and opportunities to creating a more sustainable city through five key pathways (or themes):
- Adaptation and resilience – how we adapt to weather changes caused by climate change and create more resilience in our infrastructure, services and systems.
- Route to net zero – how we decarbonise our city including buildings, transport and industry and create a green economy
- A circular economy – how we use resources more efficiently
- Fairer green future – how we tackle inequalities and deliver a just transition
- Nature – how we address the ecological emergency, reverse the decline in nature and create a greener city
Coventry Green New Deal (GND) team has commended the increased ambition of the revised strategy and its improved coherence. However, they have challenged the continued use of the Bar Road incinerator and the lack of accountability and transparency of the Climate Change Board.
The 2030 CO2 reduction target has increased from 55% to 68%, but the GND team recommends that it should be re-aligned with the West Midlands Combined Authority target of achieving net zero by 2041 rather than 2050.
Coventry GND is concerned about the Bar Road incinerator’s environmental impact and its contribution to the city’s low recycling rate. They recommend an immediate review of the incinerator.
Coventry GND also raises concerns about the revised strategy’s emphasis on the Coventry Climate Change Board, due to its limited transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. The Board, which is made up of large local businesses, universities, and public service providers has failed to publish minutes and agendas and has no accountability to the Council, although it does have a single council representative, who has no responsibly to report back to the council.
Coventry GND proposes replacing the Board with a “Commission” that includes a wider range of community members, activists, and groups.