Global warming demands local action

18 January 2024

I don’t know about you, but doesn’t it feel as if it’s been raining constantly for weeks?

Storms have battered our region and we’ve seen flooding affecting homes, businesses and transport infrastructure.

Our climate is changing and we need to take urgent action. In West Yorkshire, we’re proving that the solutions to the world’s greatest challenges can be homegrown.

Following the last United Nation’s COP summit, there has been much debate around the long-term impact of the agreements reached.

There was much to be positive about – the landmark agreement on loss and damage and the first explicit reference to moving away from fossil fuels are two examples. But the role of the UK and the leadership shown by our Government left a lot to be desired. And this is where Westminster could take a leaf out of West Yorkshire’s book.

It’s in all our interests to lower dangerous emissions which impact our health, insulate our homes so we all pay less on bills, and create more renewable energy so we’re not dependent on other countries.

Since being elected as West Yorkshire’s first ever Metro Mayor back in 2021, I’ve been determined to ensure our region is protected from the immediate consequences of climate change and prepared for a net zero future.
Tracy Brabin Mayor of West Yorkshire

A few weeks ago, I took part in the COP Outcomes Summit hosted by King’s College London alongside Chris Skidmore MP, the former Prime Minister Theresa May, and many other prominent leaders in December. What was clear is that regional leadership is key to mitigating the worst impacts of the climate crisis.

Since being elected as West Yorkshire’s first ever Metro Mayor back in 2021, I’ve been determined to ensure our region is protected from the immediate consequences of climate change and prepared for a net zero future.

We recently announced an extra £22 million to fund new flood defences, slow the flow of water and support businesses in at-risk areas, on top of grants and free support to help businesses reduce energy usage, cut emissions and minimise waste.

This year, more than 1,700 rented homes have been fitted with new insulation and renewable energy measures such as heat pumps, with a further 4,000 to be completed by 2025. This means lower bills for people struggling with the never-ending cost of living crisis and improved health and mental wellbeing.

And as a regular commuter, I know how bad our public transport can be and what we need to do to fix it. That’s why we’re pressing ahead with our plans for a region-wide mass transit system to get people out of their cars and onto zero emission trams or buses.

As Mayor, I have long argued for more powers and funding from Westminster to help our region on its journey towards a net zero carbon economy by 2038. But it’s not just about Government investment – we need the support of the private sector too.

The evidence is clear to see: record breaking temperatures, devastating floods and wildfires wreaking devastation across the globe, all while our Government breaks commitment after commitment with climate-wreaking oil and gas bills.

To make real, tangible progress, change must be driven from the ground up.

A longer version of this comment piece originally appeared in the Yorkshire Post on 18 January 2024.

Share your views and help to create a cleaner, greener and healthier West Yorkshire in our Big Climate Chat.