Conservative led Essex County Council is offering grants of up to £20,000 to support voluntary and community projects tackling climate change in the county.
The £500,000 Climate Action Fund, which is available until March 2023, was announced at the Essex Climate Action Commission’s report launch event on 20 July. The fund has been created to support the Commission’s ‘Net Zero: Making Essex Carbon Neutral’ report, which makes recommendations on how all organisations, businesses, local communities and residents can work together to make Essex net zero by 2050.
Speaking about the fund, Cllr Peter Schwier, Climate Czar at Essex County Council said: “We are all working to tackle the climate challenge here in Essex. I hope this ambitious fund can inspire people across Essex to act and do their bit with friends and family. It’s a great opportunity for more communities to get involved.”
The Essex Climate Action Commission is an independent, voluntary, and cross-party body, made up of over 30 commissioners from the public and private and third sectors, to promote and guide climate action in the county. The online event marked the end of the Commission’s first year considering how best to achieve net zero in Essex. Lord Randall of Uxbridge, Chair of the Essex Climate Action Commission, said: “The Commission’s 30 plus members include an array of experts and people who are really expert and experienced in their field. This includes not just academia, but those in the public sector, business leaders, people who really have a grounding in what the practical issues are when it comes to climate change.”
The Commission’s second year will focus on green growth and green finance, establishing how the county can benefit from the many opportunities that changing to a low carbon economy will bring.
Speaking about the Essex Climate Action Commission’s recommendations, Cllr Kevin Bentley, Leader of Essex County Council, said: “Climate change is the biggest issue we are facing both globally and in Essex, because it’s not just about us, it’s about the generations to come. Essex County Council is proud to be on the forefront of combating this alongside the Commission, and we look forward to working together with everybody who lives and works in Essex to help make net zero a reality. What’s more, I’m delighted to launch the new Climate Action Challenge Fund to support inspiring environmental initiatives in the region. The future truly is bright for a greener Essex.”
To watch the Essex Climate Action Commission event and view the Net Zero: Making Essex Carbon Neutral report, visit www.essexclimate.org.uk. To find out more about the Climate Action Challenge Fund, please visit: https://www.essex.gov.uk/leisure-culture-local-heritage/culture-and-communities
