Shropshire initiative empowers Northumberland Councils in climate action

Save Our Shropshire CIO has ventured beyond the borders of Shropshire to deliver Climate Change education to Ashington and other Councils in Northumberland.

Ashington Town Council, with a population of 28,000, was keen to take up Town and parish-specific training in Carbon Literacy to support the work of their committee.

Ten councillors were awarded their Carbon Literacy certificates on the evening of September 19, with three additional councillors also receiving certificates, though they are not pictured.

Anne-Marie Soulsby, known as "The Sustainable Life Coach," played a vital role in facilitating the training for Save Our Shropshire.

Carbon Literacy Training holds transformative potential for local councils, offering a fresh perspective and deeper insight into the environmental impact of council decisions. This knowledge empowers councils to champion sustainability and climate action, contributing to a cleaner, greener future for their communities and the planet as a whole.

Councillors and officers have a crucial role to play

Executive Officer, Sarah Eden completed the training in January 2023. One of Sarah’s pledges was to seek the Council’s approval to fund training for councillors.

William Gibb, of the Carbon Literacy Project, talked about the importance of the training:

“With over half of the emissions cuts needed to meet net zero relying on decisions that are made at a local and individual level, councillors and officers have a crucial role to play.

"They have a unique opportunity to engage the local community in climate action, create plans to mitigate and adapt to climate change, and integrate climate change into decision-making. To help to achieve this, councillors and officers need the knowledge and skills to cascade environmentally sustainable and socially responsible values and engage local residents in taking effective and transformative action.”

The training was delivered online, to five councillors from Ashington, and five others from other councils in Northumberland.

Foundation for a more sustainable future

Save Our Shropshire has emphasised that this dedication to carbon literacy on a community level establishes a crucial example for wider climate initiatives and forms the groundwork for a sustainable future.

When asked about the training on Carbon Literacy, Chair of the Climate Change and Environment Committee, Cllr Sophie Robinson responded:

“At the community level, action involves raising awareness, engaging in local initiatives, and advocating for policy changes that support carbon reduction efforts.

"Investing in Carbon Literacy Training is an investment in our community's future. Together, we can make informed choices and inspire a wave of positive change, reducing our collective carbon footprint and leaving a legacy of environmental stewardship for generations to come. As a Climate Change Committee, we are keen to develop the pledges we made on the Carbon Literacy Training into plans and actions."

Climate action should be a priority

Leader of Ashington Town Council, Cllr John Tully, was resolute that climate action should be a priority for the council, and that Cllrs should be equipped in this challenge, he said:

"As a local councillor, undertaking carbon literacy training was imperative for me. It's about leading by example and being accountable for the decisions I make that impact our community and environment.

"The training equipped me with the understanding and tools needed to advocate for sustainable policies, champion eco-friendly initiatives, and guide our community towards a greener, more sustainable future. It's about embracing responsibility, inspiring change, and ensuring that our actions today protect and preserve the world we leave for our children, and grandchildren.

"Through collective small actions, we can achieve significant change, paving the way for a sustainable future that begins right on our doorsteps.”

Save Our Shropshire believes positive change is achievable, and it is happening at a local level.

Richard Watkins, from SOS, concluded: "Ashington Town Council is keen to share our good news climate stories, to exchange ideas, and to provide a platform onto the training. We hope to encourage more local councils to participate in training and to take proactive steps towards sustainability."