New climate action board launched

Friday 13 October saw the first meeting of the Bracknell Forest Joint Climate Action Board, set up to accelerate collective action against climate change in the borough.

The board consists of representatives from local businesses, schools, community groups, parish and town councils, as well as Bracknell Forest Council officers and councillors. They will play a key role in creating and implementing the new Bracknell Forest community climate emergency strategy, an essential requirement following the recent council motion to reach net zero as close to 2030 as possible.

The first meeting, chaired by Cllr Mary Temperton, leader of the council and executive member for climate change, saw constructive discussion and initial outlining of plans to work collaboratively on climate changes issues.

Cllr Mary Temperton, said:

“As a result of our successful climate change summit earlier this year, we knew we needed something to bring local organisations together so we can start working as a community to reach net zero.

“The first Joint Climate Action Board represents a turning point in our efforts to make a change across the borough. We are all responsible for the future of our planet and together we can plan and share actions to reach our goals.”

Moving forward, the board will be supported by working groups representing specific sectors within the borough. Each working group (aside from those for councillors and council officers) is being led by an organisation external to the council and will select 2 representatives to attend future board meetings.

Local organisations or residents are welcome to register their interest for the working groups by filling in a climate change participation survey.

For more information, meeting agendas, minutes and reports, visit the Joint Climate Action Board page.