Have your say on how Renfrewshire can become net-zero by 2030 through new survey and panel

Residents are being asked what actions they believe are required to ensure Renfrewshire reaches its ambitious aim of being net-zero by 2030.

Following the declaration of a climate emergency in 2019, Renfrewshire Council has been working to set out the programme of actions required by the council, communities, businesses and partners to meet this challenging target.

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A climate change survey has been launched seeking views and opinions on a range of questions around environmental issues, potential priorities for the area’s response and current barriers to reducing emissions.

The survey will help shape Renfrewshire’s plan for net-zero and will also recruit members of the Renfrewshire Climate Panel.

Respondents to the survey will be able to submit their interest in being part of the panel and the council’s research partner will create a representative climate panel from all interested community members.

Going green: Barrwood Park, in Erskine, has had 1000 trees planted through the ambitious Clyde Climate Forest project (Graeme Crawford, Senior Communications Officer (T), Renfrewshire Council, , Mob: 07817 063 593 (primary contact number), Work: 0141 618 6745)

The panel will meet remotely in the first instance to discuss the ongoing work to tackle climate change and shape the direction of future decision making in Renfrewshire.

Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson said: “To reach our ambitious net-zero target by 2030, we need everyone to recognise that tackling climate change and reducing emissions is everyone’s responsibility.

“As a council, we are continually working to reduce our emissions wherever possible and climate change is factored into every decision we make now and in the future.

“To make real change, we need our residents to make changes in their own lives and we’ll also work with businesses and partners throughout Renfrewshire to drive the actions required to reach net-zero.

“This survey is a chance to help shape the important decisions we make in the coming years and community involvement will be crucial, so please take part in the survey and, if you’re interested, put yourself forward to be part of our first Community Climate Panel.”

As part of the drive to hit net-zero, ten trees for every man, woman and child in Renfrewshire will be planted over the next decade as part of an new urban forest..

The new Clyde Climate Forest is being created as part of the Glasgow City Region and will see 18 million trees planted in eight local authorities along the River Clyde.

Representing ten trees for every person living in the city region, the new forest will see woodland cover increase from 17 per cent to 20 per cent. Barrwood Park in Erskine has already had 1000 trees planted.

The survey is open to Renfrewshire residents only and will close on Thursday, September 30. To take part, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ClimateChangeSurvey.