Wiltshire Climate Alliance celebrates first anniversary

Wiltshire Climate Alliance (WCA) is celebrating its first anniversary, reflecting on a year of fighting climate change.

The Alliance – which is a network of groups and individuals, collaborating for action on climate change and the devastation caused by environmental damage – was formed in 2020, following the first anniversary of Wiltshire Council acknowledging a climate emergency, committing to make Wiltshire carbon neutral by 2030.

WCA say, “Within the first year WCA has thrived, with Covid and lockdown creating a catapult for all impassioned members to connect over Zoom. This has resulted with the group doubling in size to consist of 40 groups and over 500 individual members.

“A collective passionate and committed group of people, all sharing the vision of a climate and nature friendly, zero carbon, ecologically sustainable Wiltshire by 2030 – have established themselves firmly as an organisation – advocating, in unison, clear goals and objectives.

“What is completely refreshing is that a dynamic group of individuals are driven in a non-political fashion, focusing firmly on how best to answer climate and ecological questions.

“WCA has six active Topic Groups, covering a broad range of climate and ecological issues and pooling their experience, passion and expertise. Recent focus has moved to developing a working relationship with Council Area Boards on climate solutions.

“In August last year WCA Youth (WCAY) was formed and is already energetically active and raising awareness in its own right.

“The objectives for the coming year include building a coalition with other similar organisations, enabling support and challenge of the council, local government, businesses, civil society and other organisations – in taking action for the climate. WCA members are also encouraged to embark on collective and individual campaigns to achieving our shared vision.

Local elections

“The May election provides a critical opportunity for voters to select the best climate candidates for the new council. WCA are currently in the process of asking all candidates to complete a survey covering the key climate and ecological issues, impacting residents and communities. These include sustainable housing, wildflower verges, developing green areas, trees planted, renewable energy, climate friendly travel and waste recycling. The results will be published on our website.

“Anybody with an interest in any aspect of climate and ecology are actively encouraged to contact WCA and join. No expertise is required, simply a passionate enthusiasm and a little time. 

“Every contribution no matter how large or small is welcomed. Information on dates and meeting registrations can be found on the WCA website:www.wiltshireclimatealliance.org.uk/  

“For further information please email contact@wiltshireclimatealliance.org.uk.”