Council awarded as a climate catalyst

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North Somerset Council has received a 2023 Carbon Literacy Action Day (CLAD) Catalyst Award from The Carbon Literacy Project, in recognition of the council’s commitment to tackling the climate emergency and shifting to a net zero future.

The 2023 CLAD Catalyst Award celebrates significant training activity as part of the annual global Carbon Literacy Day, which took place on Monday 4 December 2023. 

North Somerset Council marked the day by holding the largest ever in-person Carbon Literacy training event, which was attended by 175 people from local businesses and community groups who wanted to kickstart their journey to net zero. 

Carbon Literacy is the understanding of the causes and impacts of our everyday greenhouse gas emissions, and attendees pledge to take specific climate actions to reduce emissions. The businesses and community groups who attended North Somerset’s Carbon Literacy training day made pledges which will reduce carbon emissions across North Somerset by an estimated 135 tonnes.

Councillor Annemieke Waite, North Somerset Council’s executive member for climate, said “We’re absolutely thrilled to win the 2023 CLAD Catalyst award and to have our dedication to creating a thriving and sustainable North Somerset recognised.

“We put together a fantastic event for Carbon Literacy Action Day, which will have a huge impact on reducing emissions locally and creating a healthier, happier, greener North Somerset.”

Chloé Sancho, CLAD Co-ordinator at The Carbon Literacy Project said: “Amid many remarkable applications, North Somerset Council’s truly stood out, demonstrating an exceptional commitment to catalysing change for CLAD. 

“We extend our gratitude for your action day initiative, going above and beyond in the fight against climate change.” 

North Somerset Council’s Carbon Literacy training event featured talks from well-known climate industry speakers including author and creator of online community Sustainable(ish) Jen Gale, as well as the screening of a motivational video recorded especially for the event by television presenter and climate campaigner Chris Packham.

For ideas on how to reduce emissions and help tackle the climate emergency go to www.n-somerset.gov.uk/climateaction. To find out more about Carbon Literacy or register interest in a future training day, please go to www.n-somerset.gov.uk/carbonliteracy.

The training day was funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. For more information about the UKSPF programme in North Somerset, visit https://innorthsomerset.co.uk/ukspf.