Businessman, farmer and philanthropist Jimmy Dickinson has urged business people to come forward to help shape the local response to the climate emergency.
Mr Dickinson, owner of Holmfirth-based Longley Farms, is a member of the Kirklees Climate Commission Advisory Panel which is now seeking new climate change commissioners.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for businesses to shape how their community can help tackle the climate emergency and protect the local area now and for future generations.
The Kirklees Climate Commission – whose advisory panel has been meeting since the beginning of the year – is now recruiting for members, with applications welcomed for a number of commissioners to represent the private, public and third sectors from across the district.
The commission, the creation of which is being led by Kirklees Council, will be run independently with initial support provided where required.
The commission’s aim is to bring together major organisations and key groups to collaborate on taking action to address climate change.
Striving to promote inclusion and diversity, the commission wants a balanced representation from across the different sectors and communities that make up Kirklees.
Mr Dickinson said: “After the targets, the pious hopes and the aspirations, comes the reality of making it happen.
“Being a climate change commissioner is one way of being in at the start of helping Kirklees to move further along the road to a cleaner, healthier and greener future.
“This isn’t going to be an easy ride and the commission will need creative input in abundance in looking not only at where we want to be, but also, how to get there.
“I’m in both industry and agriculture and I know first-hand the scale of the challenge ahead. But it’s not all doom and gloom, with so many exciting possibilities for what can be achieved with a bit of thought, tenacity and vision.”
Applications are sought from leaders in business, across the public sector and key community and environmental groups who would like to become commissioners, or the commission chair, ahead of its first formal meeting in July 2021.
The voluntary roles require a commitment of up to five days a year, to help shape and guide climate actions across the district.
Clr Will Simpson, Cabinet Member for Culture and Greener Kirklees, said: “Tackling the climate emergency is a challenge that we must rise to – and is an absolute priority for the council.
“Creating the Climate Commission is an important initial step in our plans to reach ‘net zero’ carbon emissions by 2038. The commission itself will be independent of Kirklees Council but will promote leadership on climate change as well as providing independent advice, best practice and act as a forum where partners can exchange ideas.
“It will complement the newly-established Yorkshire & Humber Climate Commission’s work, focusing on reducing the impacts of climate change, promoting carbon emissions reduction, and bringing practical changes to local life.”
To find out more about applying to join the Kirklees Climate Commission, please go to: www.kirkleesclimate.org.uk. Deadline for applications is Monday June 14 at 12pm.
