A just transition to net zero - insights from community-led climate action in Bristol
The transition to net zero is urgently required to prepare for and prevent the worst impacts of climate change on people and planet, and to protect and restore ecosystems. For marginalised groups, this transition also presents new threats to finances, social cohesion, and democratic inclusion. System-wide change and transition requires a whole city response and Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership exists to convene, inform and support 1,300+ member organisations across the city to work towards our vision of a zero-carbon, socially just and nature-rich city and region.
The Partnership leads conversations, coordinates projects and creates opportunities for action that assist organisations to deliver on their climate and nature goals and contribute to the citywide transition outlined in Bristol’s One City Climate Strategy. A just transition to net zero provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to address systemic inequalities and improve the quality of lives of local people. Community-led climate and nature action is an essential tool in the city’s system wide response ‘toolkit’ to capture this opportunity as it enables diverse communities to influence and shape this transition with, by, and for their community.
Amy Harrison, Head of Community Partnerships at Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership, will be sharing insights on the important role of communities in Just Transition and from the Community Climate Action Project (CCA) which, since 2020 has engaged over 11,000 people from across Bristol’s diverse communities and is making a positive contribution to wider system change on climate and nature. The project is centrally coordinated by Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership, working with Bristol City Council, Centre for Sustainable Energy, climate and nature action partners – with geographic and demographic communities (older people, refugees/migrants and Disabled people), as well as communities of interest (sports and arts) at its heart.
