Resident feedback from a climate change survey has been used to create a Climate Green Paper.

Earlier this year, Wealden District Council hosted a survey and three research reports which examined how climate change is likely to impact Wealden, how greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced and explored options for renewable energy.

The key themes below were identified from the survey and have been vital to the creation of the paper:

• Renewable Energy: Residents support renewable energy and low-carbon heating options. This reinforces our approach in the Climate Green Paper to promote local solar, wind, and accessible heating solutions.

• Sustainable Transport: Interest in alternatives like public transport, cycling, and electric vehicles supports our approach in the Climate Green Paper to enhance sustainable mobility and reduce reliance on private vehicles.

• Biodiversity and Green Spaces: The strong focus on green infrastructure and tree planting aligns with our commitment to enhance local biodiversity and protect natural habitats.

• Community Engagement: Many feel unaware of local initiatives, highlighting the need for accessible education and promotion of community-led actions within our Climate Green Paper.

• Waste Reduction: Support for recycling and resource efficiency aligns with our Climate Green Paper’s focus on reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.

• Affordable Climate Solutions: Cost concerns indicate the importance of funding and support, which are central to making climate actions accessible to all.

• Health and Lifestyle: Support for small lifestyle changes reinforces our approach of promoting manageable actions to collectively reduce emissions while respecting individual preferences.

Feedback from this consultation on the Climate Green Paper will be used to formulate a new Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan for Wealden in 2025.

Councillor Paul Coleshill, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) and lead councillor for Climate Change, said, “Thank you to everyone who gave feedback on the survey this year. It has been an invaluable help, shaping the green paper, itself out for comment. We aim to work as a community to address the pressing challenges of climate change, work towards net zero and build a climate resilient future.

“We are committed to encouraging and empowering action to reduce carbon and aim to create a greener, more robust community that focuses on the environment, moving towards fairness for all, and supporting a strong economy.

“I encourage everyone to read the draft climate “green paper” and take the opportunity to provide their thoughts on it as it will help us to shape the overall final version.”

The draft paper is now live and can be viewed on Wealden's Climate Green Paper | Let's Talk Wealden..