New climate commission to launch in Norwich

The Norwich City Vision partnership yesterday confirmed their formation of the new group, which will provide leadership and advice regarding climate change and sustainability.

Organisations and groups from the public, private and civic sectors across Norwich will be represented on the commission, which will support the city’s goal of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The new commission will have a shared responsibility to generate awareness and use of best practice in support of the city’s environmental targets, alongside researching and reviewing new issues in the interests of stimulating informed opinion and debate.

The commission will produce position papers, actions plans and annual reports to be fed into the Norwich 2040 City Vision Covid Recovery Group and other key organisations, groups, networks and communities across the area.

Councillor Alan Waters, leader of Norwich City Council and chair of the Norwich 2040 City Vision group, said: “The climate emergency is an issue of utmost importance and urgency, and it’s clear that dramatic action and strong leadership are required.

“We need a truly collaborative approach to bring about meaningful change, and this is an ambitious step for the city as a whole.”

The new commission will be affiliated to the Place Based Climate Action Network (PCAN), which aims to create a best-practice model for local areas to create their own independent climate commissions.

Norwich joins a network of established and emerging commissions across the country. Leading the network is Professor Andy Gouldson of Leeds University, who established the first Commission 5 years ago, and who through PCAN supports the growing number of new Commissions now emerging across the UK.

The Norwich Climate Change Commission will be co-chaired by Asher Minns at the UK’s Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, headquartered at UEA, and Louise Rawsthorne, executive director of community services at Norwich City Council.