Locals urged to make pledges to help Cornwall become carbon neutral by 2030
The man in charge of the environment and climate change for Cornwall Council has shared an appeal to coincide with COP26
Last updated 1st Nov 2021
As world leaders gear up for COP26 starting this week, the man in charge of the environment and climate change in Cornwall has called on residents to do their bit to reduce their carbon footprint.
Councillor Martyn Alvey has shared how he is working to cut his own carbon emissions, as part of the council's pledge to become carbon neutral by 2030.
Martin is using an electric bike, reducing energy consumption in the home and buying more locally sourced food, among other lifestyle changes.
He said: "In working towards net zero we appreciate that it’s not something that Cornwall Council can do alone but it relies on everyone living in Cornwall to play their part.
"In various ways I hope to be able to encourage the residents of Cornwall to do their bit for climate change.
"For example, at the moment I’m making my way through 10 pledges that have been set by an organisation called Climate Vision that show 10 simple things that I as an individual can do to reduce my carbon footprint".
Cllr Alvey has also called on residents to join the Cornwall Council and the Isles of Scilly’s Let’s Talk Climate Action online event on November 8th, to share ideas and find out more about ways to combat carbon emissions.
It is part of the COP26 Regional Roadshow and will focus on Cornwall’s biggest carbon-emitting areas – road transport, powering and heating homes, businesses and agriculture. 
There will be sessions on transport, heat and power, and agriculture, as well as a special session for businesses on the journey to net zero.
Other sessions include reducing waste, environmental adaptation and a keynote address from TV broadcaster and marine biologist Monty Halls.
Cllr Alvey added: “We need everyone to commit to act on climate change and create further momentum for action here in Cornwall.
"As the United Nations meet at COP26 to accelerate world action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement, we want our event to bring residents, businesses, local councils and community groups together to address the question ‘when everything is so global, what can I do?’."
More information about Let's Talk Climate Action and the link to register can be found on the council's Let's Talk website.