Could you volunteer your professional skills to help Harrogate District play its part in combatting climate change this new year? We have two local climate organisations who are working together in collaboration to help us to make the changes needed to reach net zero emissions and avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
Community group Zero Carbon Harrogate have been successfully engaging with local businesses and residents in the district for several years. They have run a series of very informative monthly online events throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Guests have included internationally renowned climate scientists Professor Piers Forster and Professor Andy Shepherd as well as our local MP Andrew Jones. This month, Zero Carbon Harrogate were awarded the status of Charitable Incorporated Organisation, which will help them to further extend the impact of their volunteers.
The Harrogate District Climate Change Coalition of local councils, businesses and voluntary organisations was set up in response to Harrogate Borough Council’s 2019 motion to reach net zero emissions. Significant voluntary work on governance and market research is going on behind the scenes to ensure the coalition is ready to move into the next stage of its development early in 2021.
Both organisations need new volunteers from across the Harrogate District to help them accelerate our local journey to net zero.
Phil Ireland, Chair of Harrogate District Climate Change Coalition, said:
As 2020 draws to a close, I would like to recognise and thank all of those who have volunteered this year to improve the sustainability of Harrogate District. The commitment and passion of local people is powerful and a force for change.
Jemima Parker, Chair of Zero Carbon Harrogate, said:
We would like to welcome new volunteers to our online volunteer training event on the evening of 7 January. It will be an opportunity to increase your knowledge around climate change and share your thoughts and ideas about encouraging more people to adopt a low carbon lifestyle.
To find out more, please email us at zerocharrogate@gmail.com
Kirsty Hallett, Chair of Communications and Engagement for the Coalition, said:
It is largely thanks to the unpaid work of people with valuable professional skills from the worlds of business and other sectors that so much work is going on to help the district move towards net zero. For example, it was encouraging that local businesses gave up their time to share ideas at the Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce event “The Value of Net Zero for Your Business” in December.
Personally, I find volunteering has enabled me to feel that I am making a difference.
We know that some local people will make new year’s resolutions to live more sustainable lifestyles. It would be great if more people could offer a little of their time to help the current teams move the district more rapidly towards a green future.
What you can do:
Both local climate organisations urge you to get in touch if you wish to commence some interesting and rewarding voluntary work in the new year. A few examples are shown below, but these are not exhaustive. If you have skills to offer that are not listed below, please get in touch with zerocharrogate@gmail.com
The Harrogate District Climate Change Coalition would like to hear from people with leadership experience in land use, energy efficiency and digital communications. To get in touch with the Harrogate District Climate Change Coalition, please visit www.hdccc.info/contact or call 01423 500600.
Zero Carbon Harrogate are looking for a Treasurer, Safeguarding Officer and Health and Safety Officer. Details are available when you select environment in the volunteering directory www.H&DCA.org.uk. To find out more about Zero Carbon Harrogate please visit www.zerocarbonharrogate.org.uk
