Kimberley MP backs citizen-led climate blueprint for Nottingham
A new blueprint for a green, healthy city, created by the people of Nottingham, has been officially unveiled.
And Kimberley MP Alex Norris is one of the city leaders giving the project his backing.
The blueprint is the product of more than two years of citizen-led work including mini assemblies and a youth assembly to come up with a roadmap for a greener, fairer city that brings local voices right into the heart of city climate decisions.
Nottingham has one of the most ambitious climate targets in the UK, but hitting CN28 means bringing the whole city along.
The Nottingham Environment & Climate Assembly manifesto sets out a vision of a forest city with clean air and waterways; placing nature and residents at the heart of decision-making with community-led initiatives to create thriving neighbourhoods and more safe ways to get around the city by foot, bike and public transport.
The collective approach of a citizens’ assembly is seen as a way to empower communities and combat the increasing distrust in traditional politics to find a new positive way forward.
The manifesto includes a series of recommendations around buildings and energy, food and health, nature, skills and engagement, transport, waste and water.
Specific ideas include retrofitting buildings, community gardens, local food production, a pedestrian friendly transport system, wildlife corridors, repair and recycle schemes, incentives for green businesses and managing flood risks through rain gardens.
It also calls for more green space in the city to make it accessible within a 15 minute walk for every resident and a network of green hubs in each neighbourhood with local food markets, skills workshops, and youth activities.
Mr Norris (Lab) said: “said: "The work of the Nottingham Environment and Climate Assembly, organised entirely by volunteers, is hugely important.
"I look forward to discussing the proposals with delegates from my constituency in the coming weeks to discuss how we can put their ideas into action.”
Claire Ward (Lab), East Midlands Mayor, said: “This manifesto shows what can happen when local people are trusted to shape the future of their city. It is ambitious, practical and rooted in the pride Nottingham people have in the place they call home.
“I am proud to support the Nottingham Climate Assembly because lasting change happens when communities are involved from the start.
"My £9.9m investment in domestic retrofit alongside investing millions in cycling and walking improvements across the city reflects that same commitment to creating greener, healthier places that put people, nature and opportunity at the heart of regeneration.
“By listening to local people and turning good ideas into action, we can tackle the climate challenge while building a stronger, fairer Nottingham for future generations.”
Sally Longford, vice-chair of the Nottingham Green Partnership, added: “We can, and must, embrace this moment, it is a once in a generation opportunity to help people re-engage with their neighbours, streets, and communities to create the healthy and vibrant city we all want for the future.”
For more information on the new manifesto, visit nottinghamclimateassembly.co.uk