Climate Change Citizens’ Panel makes progress in shaping local climate action

The Elmbridge Climate Change Citizens’ Panel met for a third session earlier this month, bringing together residents, experts, and local organisations focused on driving behaviour change towards a more sustainable future. 

 The session continued the panel’s work to find practical ways to tackle climate change in Elmbridge, aiming to produce recommendations for the council after five meetings.

 The full-day workshop focused on the central question:
“What steps can we take locally to address climate change and protect the environment?”

 Key Highlights: 

Talks exploring the question: how does change happen?

Featuring insights from:

• Fergus Lamb of Hope for the Future, a charity that supports individuals and community groups in having effective and constructive conversations with their local MP, council, or mayor about climate and nature.
• Diana Thornton of Oxshott Net Zero, a grassroots startup formed by residents aiming to reduce carbon emissions through community engagement. 

Both presentations explored the mechanisms of environmental change and community influence.

Talks and presentations highlighting the importance of green spaces

With a panel of local experts:

• Paul Falconer (Elmbridge Borough Council’s Planning and Environmental Health Services), who explored the role, value, and planning considerations of green spaces in Elmbridge, and how they relate to climate change and development pressures.
   
• Rodney Whittaker (Open Spaces Society) who campaigns for stronger protection and greater access to commons, greens, and paths, and defends open spaces against development pressures, 
   
• Pam Winstanley, Community Grower at Walton Charity’s wellbeing initiative Space to Grow, a safe, friendly and social space for adults, young people and children to feel the benefits of  green spaces.

Speakers explored the challenges of balancing growing housing demand with the need to protect and enhance green spaces, recognising the vital role these areas play in residents’ wellbeing.

Interactive Workshops

The panel engaged in sessions on power mapping, crafting effective recommendations and the day also included energisers, Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities.

Councillor Ashley Tilling, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Environmental Services and Sustainability, said:

Since the Citizens’ Panel began, we’ve already seen great progress, from ideas to boost community involvement to practical suggestions that could help shape council policy. This third session really showed how powerful local collaboration can be, and we’re committed to supporting the panel as it works towards meaningful recommendations for a greener, more sustainable Elmbridge.

 Looking ahead

With two sessions remaining, the panel is working towards finalising a set of recommendations that will be presented to the council after the fifth and final meeting. Find out more about the panel’s work so far.