Residents and businesses are being asked for their views on the first draft of Stirling Council’s Climate and Nature Emergency Plan.
In October 2019, the Council declared a Climate Emergency and the Plan will be a major driver in Stirling’s efforts to tackle the climate crisis head on.
The document spells out a vision to improve residents’ lives, help Stirling’s economy thrive and enhance the local environment, with a focus on five key objectives:
- Energy Use and Generation – transform our energy systems and help deliver zero-carbon, affordable energy for all.
- Transport – develop a modern transport system that minimises carbon emissions, improves affordability and provides choice for all.
- Resource Efficiency – improve resource efficiency by cutting consumption and reducing waste.
- Nature and Biodiversity – optimise biodiversity and increase the carbon storage potential of nature.
- Climate Adaption – plan and prepare for the impacts of climate change.
People can provide feedback on the plan via the Council’s new Engage Stirling platform and those unable to access the digital platform can request a hard copy by calling the Contact Centre (01786 404040).
Virtual drop-in sessions with communities are also planned during the consultation process. Details of these will be shared on social media and the Engage Stirling Platform over the coming weeks.
Convener of Stirling Council’s Environment and Housing Committee, Cllr Jim Thomson said: “The Council is committed to leading the way in averting climate change, but we can only win this battle through collective action and input from residents and businesses.
“If you are interested in shaping how your community and the wider Stirling area becomes a greener, healthier and more prosperous place to live and work, please have your say on this Plan for urgent action.”
In March 2020, the Council directed officers to develop a climate emergency plan to reduce carbon emissions and help address climate change impacts.
Since then, despite the Covid-19 pandemic, significant work has taken place to make this vision a reality.
This included a survey over the summer of 2020 which helped measure public opinion on the climate emergency and inform the plan’s objectives.
More than 1,000 residents responded to the online questionnaire – one of the biggest responses to a Council survey – and the results of the closed questions can be downloaded here or accessed on Engage Stirling.
Vice Convener, Cllr Danny Gibson said: “The ongoing pandemic means this continues to be a hugely challenging time for people, but we know climate change remains a top priority for communities from the high number of responses we received in last year’s survey.
“The climate emergency also remains at the top of the Council’s agenda and, while we have made significant strides forward to cut our carbon footprint, we know we all need to do much more.
“This plan is our blueprint to take the next steps forward in this global challenge, so please use your voice to shape a brighter future for Stirling.”
The consultation on the draft Climate and Nature Emergency Plan will be open for an initial eight weeks, and the feedback from the public will be used to refine the Plan, which will be presented for approval at a future meeting of Stirling Council.
Please head to the Engage Stirling platform to view the plan and express your views.