Preston’s climate jury give recommendations to tackle climate change in the city

Preston’s Climate Jury. Pic: Preston City Council

Members of the People’s Climate Jury met at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) to give their recommendations on how they think climate change can be tackled in the city.

The 20 members, all Preston residents, gave their thoughts to a group of guests which included Carol Henshaw, Preston city councillor and cabinet member for climate change.

Covering three themes, transport and food and farming, the jury made 24 recommendations which responded to “How can we in Preston work together to address the opportunities and challenges of climate change in a way that is fair to everyone?”

Over a six-week period, and for 30 hours in total, the jury members heard from experts and shared their own views.

The jury’s top recommendation focused on enhancing energy efficiency in housing, including raising the profile of Cosy Homes in Lancashire (Chil) and working in collaboration with Preston College to develop local skills in retrofitting.

Transport was another major focus with suggestions to improve bus services, upgrade bus stops and enhance routes.

Luke Woodison, Cllr Henshaw, Nadine Johnrose. Pic: Preston City Council

Luke Woodison of Ashton, member of the jury said: “It’s something that I think is a widespread issue, it’s very important, if not the most important issue of our generation. There’s not a lot of information out there about climate change or discussions being had. I want to do something to help the local community and help tackle the issue of climate change. I can use what I have learnt and pass that down.

“I hope that the recommendations we have put together are seen and acted on. I want the people who can influence decision-making to take our recommendations seriously. I want everyone to understand that they can play their own part in tackling climate change.”

After their presentation, jury members discussed their recommendations with stakeholders.

Councillor Carol Henshaw, said: “In 2019, the city of Preston declared a climate emergency and set a goal of being carbon neutral by 2030. Today marks a significant step tothat goal and driving the climate agenda forward.

“I’m fully behind the jury’s recommendations and hope that through today’s event and continuing conversation, they can become a catalyst for positive change across the city.

“I want to place on record my thanks to the members of the jury who have dedicated their time to make a difference to our future, it has been a pleasure to work alongside you.”

The Climate Jury has been hosted by Preston City Council, working with specialist facilitators Shared Future CIC, with funding from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

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