The latest on the local council's plans to combat climate change were discussed at a meeting of Rye's Sustainable Living Forum on Saturday April 13. Rother District Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 but what is the climate change strategy? After two years of meetings that directly relate to climate change, the speaker at forum at the Tilling Green Community Centre had all the answers. Lucie Bolton is the climate strategy officer responsible for leading the Council’s plans and she has just completed an update. You can read it HERE.
Saturday afternoon was just one of a series of presentations that Lucie has given to groups in the district —including Rye Chamber of Commerce— describing the actions included in the plan that has now been fully adopted. It sets out how the Council will use its powers and influence to make the district more climate-resilient—and reduce emissions to net zero—by 2030.
Lucie explained that the climate strategy focuses on actions in five key areas: buildings and energy efficiency; transport; resource consumption and waste; biodiversity and land use; and energy generation. The updated plan began by researching emission levels generated by the District Council and the district as a whole. One disturbing pie chart showed that around two thirds of the Council’s carbon emissions are created by our waste collection vehicles. In 2026, residential food waste collections will begin and the fleet will expand; however, the impact will be greatly reduced because half the vehicles will run on green hydrogen. The strategy also encourages wider community action which, in the case of dealing with our waste, could mean much more community composting using organic waste locally instead of transporting it long distances.
There were two dozen participants in attendance on Saturday and many represented various local environmental and community groups. Also in attendance were Council members Simon McGurk, Cheryl Creaser, and Sarah Learoyd Smith. Questions led to lively discussion of some deep issues and whether or not this plan is fully implemented will depend upon a lot of people, as Lucie showed required actions are spread across many departments. These agencies provide all our local services, so they have many priorities competing with climate resilience. It appears that our chances of meeting the net zero goal could depend upon the extent to which the wider community holds our leaders accountable by standing up and speaking out. An enormous challenge.
The forum greatly appreciated Lucie’s lively and relaxed, but very passionate, presentation. Her talk showed her expertise in her field having spent five years working for Kent Wildlife Trust.
