Brighton & Hove’s first ever Climate Assembly has now published its recommendations for how our city can meet our target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

Taking all action to make Brighton & Hove to carbon net-zero by 2030 was a central pledge of Labour’s 2019 local manifesto and we have worked collaboratively with other parties on that goal since. Getting the Climate Assembly up and running was a significant step.

The Climate Assembly brought together a diverse group of people from across the city who were tasked with answering the question: “How can we step up actions to reduce transport-related emissions in the city?”.

The participants came up with a range of recommendations that they urged to be implemented together as a package of measures, which you can read here: https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/news/2021/residents-point-way-carbon-neutral-future

These ideas will be challenging for some as they require us all to make changes to the way we move around the city – with a focus on reducing journeys in private vehicles, improving public transport and increasing active travel.

Reaching carbon net-zero by 2030 won’t be easy but if we’re serious about tackling the climate emergency head-on, radical change will be necessary.

The Climate Assembly’s recommendations will be considered by the council as part of planned work on transport and climate change. You can share your ideas and join the climate conversation on the Council’s Let’s Talk Climate Change online hub or email carbon2030@brighton-hove.gov.uk.

Labour’s Leader of the Opposition and Co-Chair of the Carbon Neutral 2030 working group, Councillor Nancy Platts said:

“I am so proud of our city for delivering the first Climate Assembly completely online and for not letting the public health crisis stand in our way of the need to address the Climate Crisis.

“I want to thank everyone who has been part of this and who has shown such dedication to listening, learning and then distilling that mass of information into ten clear and workable recommendations.

“I am excited that we now have the basis for a plan developed through a democratic process and I look forward to being part of the team that makes Brighton & Hove a carbon neutral City by 2030.”

Labour’s Opposition Spokesperson for Environment, Transport & Sustainability, Councillor Gary Wilkinson said:

“These recommendations are an extremely important contribution to the debate on how Brighton & Hove reaches a net-zero target and I hope they give impetus to the Council to take bold action to reduce our emissions.

“The fact that the assembly members have been able to arrive at clear recommendations whilst respecting each other’s’ values and experiences sets an example for us all.

“It is vital that this council examines and uses the recommendations which the Assembly sets out, and we thank the participants for giving up their time to listen, understand, debate and propose solutions which are underpinned by a desire to be fair to everyone in our society.”

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Image: Brighton & Hove City Council