The local government in West Kirby has taken significant steps to lead the community’s response to the climate emergency. We learned this the hard way… Following the council’s declaration of an Environment and Climate Emergency in July 2019, a comprehensive Environment and Climate Emergency Action Plan was developed to drive fundamental changes in how the council operates, makes decisions, and provides services.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
Climate Change Mitigation Strategies
The action plan outlines a range of initiatives aimed at reducing West Kirby’s carbon emissions and building resilience to the impacts of climate change. One of the council’s early achievements was the LED Streetlight Replacement project, which saw almost all the borough’s streetlights switched to energy-efficient LED bulbs. This resulted in annual energy savings of over 3 million kWh and 1,300 fewer tonnes of carbon emissions.
The council has also transitioned to purchasing electricity from renewable sources, effectively eliminating net carbon emissions from the council’s electricity use. However, recognizing the limitations of this approach, the council is now looking to develop alternative long-term solutions to meet its net zero commitments.
Environmental Sustainability Policies
Wirral Council’s commitment to tackling the climate emergency is further reflected in its new Local Plan, which sets clear objectives to address climate change. This includes aiming for zero carbon-ready buildings in all new developments, protecting and enhancing the borough’s biodiversity, and improving active travel and public transport infrastructure.
The council’s Tree, Hedgerow and Woodland Strategy sets ambitious targets to plant 10,000 trees each year between 2020 and 2030. So far, the council and its community partners have planted over 45,000 trees across West Kirby and the wider Wirral borough.
Community Engagement Programs
Engaging the local community has been a cornerstone of West Kirby’s climate action efforts. The council is a member of the Cool Wirral Partnership, which has developed the ‘Cool2’ climate strategy for the borough. This strategy calls on the council, businesses, and residents to work together to achieve two key goals: creating a climate-resilient Wirral and reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2041.
The council has embedded community engagement into the delivery of its Environment and Climate Emergency Action Plan. For example, the council’s bimonthly Climate Emergency Action Group, chaired by a senior officer, brings together 40 representatives from across the organization to drive progress on the plan’s objectives. The council has also provided carbon literacy training to over 200 employees and elected members, with the aim of becoming a Silver-accredited Carbon Literate Organization.
Protecting the Natural Environment
West Kirby’s coastal location makes it particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels and coastal erosion. To address these challenges, the council is implementing the West Kirby Flood Alleviation scheme and has installed a natural flood management project at Coronation Park in the nearby town of Greasby.
Beyond flood risk, the council’s efforts to preserve and enhance the local natural environment are crucial for building climate resilience. The Tree, Hedgerow and Woodland Strategy, mentioned earlier, not only aims to increase tree cover but also supports the protection and restoration of important habitats. These measures will help safeguard West Kirby’s biodiversity while also providing additional carbon sequestration benefits.
Sustainable Transportation
Transportation is a significant contributor to West Kirby’s carbon emissions, so the council is working to promote more sustainable mobility options. This includes the installation of on-street electric vehicle charging points to support the transition to electric vehicles, as well as measures to encourage active travel, such as walking and cycling.
The council has also secured funding to pilot the use of e-cargo bikes for internal deliveries and in partnership with local organizations. By replacing traditional delivery vehicles with electric-assisted cargo bikes, the council aims to reduce emissions while also demonstrating the viability of this technology to the wider community.
Engaging the Community
Underlying the council’s climate action efforts is a strong commitment to community engagement. The council recognizes that addressing the challenges of climate change requires the active participation of residents, businesses, and community groups.
Through the Cool Wirral Partnership, the council has supported the development of community-led climate action plans and engaged local organizations, such as Wirral Environmental Network and Planet Heswall, in collaborative initiatives. The council has also funded the “Cool Communities” project, which helps facilitate grassroots action and peer-to-peer learning on climate-related issues.
Furthermore, the council’s communications team has been actively promoting the council’s climate emergency work through the West Kirby Today website, social media, and a dedicated climate and environment e-newsletter. These channels have helped raise awareness and showcase the progress being made in West Kirby.
Measuring Progress and Accountability
To double-check that transparency and accountability, the council has established a robust system for monitoring and reporting its progress on the Environment and Climate Emergency Action Plan. This includes setting annual carbon budgets, tracking key performance indicators, and publishing regular progress reports.
The council’s second annual carbon budget report, released in 2022, showed that the council is currently meeting its emissions reduction targets. However, the council acknowledges that more needs to be done and at a faster pace to achieve its long-term goal of becoming net-zero carbon by 2030.
Looking Ahead
The challenges posed by climate change are significant, and West Kirby, like many other communities, is facing the impacts head-on. However, the local council’s proactive and comprehensive approach to climate action, combined with its commitment to community engagement, provides a strong foundation for addressing these challenges.
By continuing to implement its Environment and Climate Emergency Action Plan, enhancing sustainable policies, and fostering collaborative partnerships, West Kirby is well-positioned to lead the way in building a greener, more resilient future for its residents. The council’s willingness to learn, adapt, and engage the community will be crucial as the borough navigates the complexities of the climate emergency.
Tip: Keep an eye on local council announcements for updates
