Derbyshire joins other rural areas demanding support to tackle climate change
A clarion call went out to national government this week to take notice of the expertise that rural communities can offer in combating climate change and to give them fairer funding to meet some of the challenges.
A group of rural councils, including ourselves, have joined forces to set up the Countryside Climate Network (CCN) to be the voice of the countryside in the climate change debate.
The network comprises 21 councils from every region of England with a mission to highlight the fact that rural communities are often at the frontline of feeling the effects of climate change and should get more support from government in recognition of this. They also want to bring their rural knowledge and experience on climate change to the table debunking the myth that the countryside is peripheral to the economy and climate change.
Two thirds of people in England live outside the major towns and cities and they often face more barriers to switching to more sustainable living than their urban counterparts. Public transport is less frequent and usually more expensive. Many rural households don’t have access to gas, and oil-fired central heating is more costly.
Rural areas have been suffering the effects of climate change on agriculture and in local flooding.
These and other factors are coupled with the fact that the rural local authorities often have lower budgets and face funding rules which favour urban concentrations.
This has prompted the Countryside Climate Network to ask for a larger share of the £100 billion infrastructure fund that government has allocated for this parliament towards its target of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The group wants this fund to support the ambitions of rural areas and the opportunities our countryside and green infrastructure can provide citing many innovative projects that are already underway.
Our Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King, said:
“We believe Derbyshire’s innovative response to climate change will be of great value to the alliance. Together we can shine a light on the unique challenges we face in comparison to our urban counterparts and push rural issues higher up the national agenda, lobbying for greater support to bring about the radical change needed to truly make a difference on climate change.”
The Countryside Climate Network has been established under the umbrella of UK100, a network of local leaders that campaigns on climate change. The 21 councils in CCN represent 14.3 million people in total, a quarter of the population (25%) and two fifths (41%) of England by area.
Polly Billington, Director of UK100, said:
“Climate change affects every area and every person, and rural towns and villages can be more vulnerable to the impacts, such as extreme weather. Countryside councils are well placed to tackle climate change and meet the needs and ambitions of their communities for economic recovery and better health and wellbeing, with innovative solutions along with the democratic legitimacy to deliver lasting change.”
More News From Amber Valley Info
| CCTV pictures of two men released following shop theft in Belper Derbyshire police have released CCTV images of two men they would like to speak to in connection with a shoplifting read more | |
| Derbyshire Wayfarer Ranger Goes Digital Derbyshire Wayfarer Ranger tickets can now be purchased through an app, making them more convenient for bus and train users. read more | |
| Young Person Travel Discount Scheme Extended For Another Three Months Derbyshire County Council's b_line 3 card, which offers discounts for those aged from 19 up to their 22nd birth read more | |
| Care Home Sale Update Plans are being revised for the future of eight Derbyshire care homes after a planned sale fell through. read more | |
| Derby Residents Urged To Have Their Say In Two Consultations Consultations have been launched into future options for two services delivered by Derbyshire County Council. read more | |
The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard
| Christmas and New Year bin collection dates Over the festive season, bin collections will operate on revised schedules. Some collections may take place up to two days earlier than u read more | |
| Launch Of WOMBLE MANIA! At the Heights of Abraham, Opened by Marcus Robertson, Son of Wombles author, Elisabeth Beresford, officially launched WOMBLE MANIA! at the Heights of Abraha read more | |
| Belper School and Sixth Form Centre Closed Today Due to a significant water leak, resulting in the water being turned off at school, we unfortunately have to close the school today. read more | |
| When you need to call 999 but can't talk When you need to call 999 but can't talk - the ‘silent solution’ can help. Press 55 on your mobile when prompted, to confirm you are in read more | |
| The opening night of the Lights of Abraham Winter Lights Trail The brand new winter lights trail, the 'Lights of Abraham' opened on Friday 22nd November at the Heights of Abraham in read more | |
