Tackling the causes and consequences of climate change
Having a relentless focus on tackling the causes of climate change and mitigating the inevitable consequences of this, to ensure the well-being of our residents and position Coventry as a leader and pioneer of the green industrial revolution.
We will do this by:
Establishing an independent Coventry Climate Change Board to address the major challenges of climate change, development of a circular economy and loss of biodiversity by adopting the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (I.C.L.E.I.) 5 Development Pathways:
1. Low Emission Development
Investing in the development of technology solutions with businesses, universities, and partners to increase the adoption of new efficient, zero carbon renewable energy generation technologies. Promoting and supporting inward investment of zero
carbon technologies in making the city a global market leader in a clean and green transport e.g., Very Light Rail and encouraging residents, communities, and businesses to take up active and green forms of travel.
Encouraging green behaviours from everyone that lives, works or visits the city, and working with schools to implement sustainability into the curriculum in a holistic way.
2. Nature-based Development
Promote biodiversity and the natural heritage and greenspace across the city. Protecting and developing existing and new biodiversity and habitats for current and future generations.
Ensuring that we protect wildlife, communicate awareness and engage communities and developers on the conservation of natural habitats.
3. Equitable and People-centered Development
Address inequalities exacerbated by the effects of climate change such as unemployment, fuel and food poverty, air quality and access to open space with associated impacts on health and wellbeing.
4. Resilient Development
Address the impacts and consequences of Climate Change by ensuring we have the right infrastructure in place to cope with the effects of extreme weather events such as flooding and extreme heat.
5. Circular Economic Development
Actively support businesses, schools, and partners in the minimisation of waste and the development of a circular economy which moves away from the traditional business model of consumption production and disposal to extending the life of products, re-use,
and recycling.
We want our residents and communities to help us deliver this plan by:
- Being aware of personal carbon footprint and consider energy efficiency options to reduce this
- Reusing and recycling more
- Taking pride in our city by not dropping litter, fly tipping or posting and cleaning up after your dog
- Using greener travel options - walking, cycling, public transport, car sharing and low-emission vehicles
If we are successful, the difference you can expect to see is:
- Improved air quality
- Lower carbon emissions
- Increased use of zero-carbon transport, active travel, and public transport
- Increase in the numbers employed and the commercial success of businesses which seize the opportunities climate change presents
- Improvements in energy efficiency and the use of zero-carbon technologies
- Increased biodiversity and areas of natural vegetation and open space
- Reduced incidence of floods and levels of flood damage as a consequence of climatic effects
- Improved health and wellbeing for the population and a reduction in the health inequalities
- Reductions in the levels of waste and greater levels of re-use and recycling
