The 12 key issues Leeds must act on to tackle global climate change crisis

A group of 21 people from across the city have drawn up a list of 12 objectives to ensure Leeds is at the forefront of plans to tackle climate change.

The Leeds Climate Change Citizens' Jury was established in 2019 after 4,000 letters were sent out to randomly selected addresses across the city.

Those interested in being involved were invited to take part in a series of sessions where they heard from climate experts on the current state of play and the changes that are needed in the coming years.

Following two months of evidence gathering and deliberations, the jury have revealed a number of key issues that the city must confront in order to become carbon neutral by 2030 - an ambitious objective announced by Leeds City Council in March 2019.

As expected, transport topped the billing, with each and every juror suggesting the bus provision should be brought back under public control.

The group also said that people should rethink how they travel and that private cars should only be used "as a last resort".

Perhaps the most eye-catching recommendation was the call to prevent the expansion of Leeds Bradford Airport. There are huge plans to increase capacity at the Yeadon terminal as well as multi-million pound proposals to build new roads in the area.

What should Leeds do about the emergency of climate change?

Each of the jurors voted anonymously on the issues that they feel most affect Leeds.

The votes were collated to create this list of 12 key recommendations for the city, with the most important ranked first.

1. Bus provision to be brought under public control and the use of private cars should be used "as a last resort" for transportation in Leeds

2. All existing housing must be made energy efficient.

3. Clear, positive and practical messages which emphasise the necessity for individuals, community and organisational action at all levels to tackle the climate crisis

4. A "carbon budget" for every individual, alongside other funding sources such as a local government green bond and crowdfunding

5. More locally devolved power

6. Create more green spaces and reclaim abandoned spaces

7. All new housing must be as future-proofed as possible

8. A Leeds Green New Deal to stimulate the development of low-carbon solutions

9. Leeds Bradford Airport expansion should be stopped; specifically Leeds City Council should not approve new road-building or selling land to develop the Yeadon terminal

10. Pledge scheme for Leeds companies and organisations to be carbon neutral by 2030

11. More extensive recycling facilities, which should be available and accessible to all

12. Actively discourage single-use plastics across the city, with businesses and food and drink outlets having a strong role to play

The jury's findings will be presented to Leeds City Council’s Climate Emergency Advisory Committee, which makes formal recommendations to the council’s Executive Board.

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