Summer recap: what you’ve missed climate-wise
Whether you’re a brand new student or returning from the summer, this article will cover some of the Leeds-based climate action that occurred whilst you were away.
Community climate action assembly in Harehills:
On Friday 17th May, Harehills Action Team organised a community climate action assembly. Stalls with various contributors were set up for members of the community.
This included: Zest compost collective (demonstrating community composting), Meanwood micro-greens, Places for people (energy efficiency tips for the home), Freedom for Girls (sustainable menstrual products), Racial Justice Network (with copies of their recent report ‘no borders on a green planet’), and many others.
A community herb garden was also planted outside of the Compton Centre. To conclude, Goodness Woodhead and her esustainable fashion brand hosted a sustainable fashion show, with community members as models.
Harrogate-based expert delivers community energy presentation:
Locals joined 2030 representatives for a presentation about community energy in Alwoodley, a suburb north of central Leeds. Mike Kaye, the owner of Energy Oasis, outlined how energy could be generated locally to offer cheaper energy from renewable sources whilst also generating profit for the community. Alwoodley 2030 have organised follow up meetings. This was the first step in moving towards a zero-carbon, nature-friendly Leeds by the 2030s.
Horsforth Climate Action Nature Group open their gardens:
On Sunday 23rd June, three gardens in Horsforth were open and viewed by over forty visitors eager to learn about how to create more wildlife-friendly outdoor spaces. Topics discussed ranged from bee-friendly plants and composting to water conservation and multi-layered planting. Many visitors were surprised to see how much could be done in a “normal” back garden. To find out more about this, visit Horsforth Climate Action’s blog post on how to transform your garden into a wildlife haven.
The Swifts’ Homecoming Parade 2024:
The Swift Project is a volunteer group promoting the plight and conservation of Swifts in the UK. In the last 20 years, Swift populations have dropped by 40%, leading them to be placed on the Red list of birds of Conservation Concern in the UK. The Swifts’ Homecoming Parade 2024 gathered the community with a range of activities and information to help educate people about the Swifts.
Two new Co-chairs appointed to the Leeds Climate Commission:
Leeds founded the first-ever local climate commission under Professor Andy Gouldson of the University of Leeds seven years ago. In 2023 the commission refocused to ensure local climate action took place across the whole city. As of 2024, Farakh Masood (who has 28 years of experience in the global B2B sales and a background in engineering and law) and Councillor Dye (Chair of Leeds City Councils Climate Emergency Advisory Committee) have been appointed as co-chairs.
The Commission will focus on three main things:
- Regularly checking the city’s progress on climate action;
- Bringing people together to share successful climate ideas;
- Creating partnerships to push new climate actions based on the progress reviews.
If you’re interested in being part of the Commission or to receive updates on its work, email Leeds Climate Commission Programme Manager Millie Duncan, a.k.duncan@leeds.ac.uk.
Air quality improves at Five pollution hotspots:
Five pollution hotspots in Leeds have been removed from the city’s Air Quality Management Areas after meeting UK air standards for several years. The areas: Ebor Gardens, The Normans, Caspar Apartments, The Tilburys, and Chapel Hill had high levels of nitrogen dioxide from vehicle emissions.
Changes like greener travel, more electric vehicles, and better road infrastructure have led to significant improvements in air quality. Monitoring will continue to ensure standards are maintained. Leeds City Council’s Air Quality Strategy has helped reduce pollution and improve public health, though the council stresses that air quality still needs attention, especially for vulnerable people.
