Bristol's 'Green Capital Partnership' handed £20k to help us live more sustainably
The cash has been handed to the community interest company to help transform Bristol to become a Zero Carbon city
A community interest company (CIC) from Bristol has been awarded £20,000 to help move us all into a more sustainable world.
The grant - part of Royal London's Changemakers programme - will go towards combatting the cost-of-living crisis and transform Bristol to a Zero Carbon city in a fair manner, thanks to the work by the Bristol Green Capital Partnership.
It comes as recent weather events, such as heatwaves, floods and fires this year, have made nearly two thirds (60%) of people in the UK more concerned about climate change.
A further 59% are also worried about weather reports from other countries, including in Australia and America, according to new research from Royal London.
The company is introducing new social enterprises to its Changemakers Programme, including the Bristol Green Capital Partnership, which is now in its second year.
With the Clean Air Zone now coming into force in Bristol, the news comes at a timely moment for the Partnership.
CEO of the Bristol Green Partnership, Lizzi Testani, said: "We're really excited to be a part of the Changemakers programme with nine other social enterprises.
"It's transformational for a small organisation like us, and we'll use the money to improve our website and amplify how people can get involved, helping businesses and communities understand what they can do and how they can take part in Bristol's efforts to become Net Zero by 2030.
"We've got really bold ambitions, and we know it's a really big challenge, but we are making every effort to involve as many communities, organisations and businesses - we have so much momentum behind this goal, that I'm confident we'll get there.
"Our big goal is to make sure that the changes we make to our city are both, fast and fair. Just to think about life expectancy, it can vary up to 10 years from post code to post code.
"We have to now take action - and there's a real variety of action across Bristol. It's a good starting point. I think there's a lot of uncertainty and anxiety about how big the changes are that are required here in Bristol and across the country, but working with others is the best way to alleviate those anxieties and turn that energy into something really positive."
In their research, the company also found out of five (42%) have also said that the UN climate summit, COP26, has made an impact on their climate change concerns – and 40% said that having children and grandchildren has made them worried about climate change.
This has spurred many to take action and live more sustainably in the last 12 months. Most popular planned changes include reducing plastic usage (71%), shopping locally (62%), driving less (53%) or buying an electric or hybrid vehicle (32%), and consuming less meat and dairy (49%).
However, the cost-of-living crisis is making it difficult for people in the UK to take action on climate change.
The majority (65%) are concerned about the cost of living and a third (34%) are understandably now more concerned with their energy bills as opposed to living sustainably. Many people are taking cost-saving measures this autumn and winter with more than a quarter (26%) planning to buy fewer or cheaper Christmas presents.
Shockingly, 12% are even anticipating skipping meals. Sustainability is unlikely to be the priority with almost four in ten (38%) thinking that it’s too expensive to live more sustainably.
Royal London is committed to helping facilitate a Just Transition: where we as a society move to a low carbon economy in a way that is as fair and inclusive to everyone as possible. Royal London has announced ten new social enterprises.
Each one will benefit from a £20,000 grant, as well as extensive business support.