North Norfolk District Council hosts Environment Assembly

Date published: 19th August 2019

North Norfolk District Council hosted an Environment Assembly at the Atrium in North Walsham on Thursday 15 August.

The event comes after North Norfolk District Council was the first council in Norfolk to declare a climate emergency.  The declaration was made in April at a meeting of Full Council where Councillors committed to recognising the devastating impact of global temperature change and taking immediate action.

Cllr. Sarah Bütikofer, Leader of North Norfolk District Council, said of the decision: “As a coastal district, North Norfolk is in the front line of the impacts of climate change whilst our fishing industry depends on sustaining stocks in our marine environment.

“Time is running out and we need to be bold and brave.”

Members of the public were invited to drop-in during the afternoon where elected Members and NNDC Officers were on hand to discuss what the Council is looking to do to tackle the climate emergency, local and national environmental concerns and what steps it has already taken to address climate change. 

A second session held in the evening featured key speakers and a workshop where members of the public discussed environmental issues that matter to them, enabling us to work together for a better future for North Norfolk.

The District Council is committed to developing and delivering an Environmental Charter with the aim of becoming a leader in meeting high environmental and energy standard.

Cllr. Nigel Lloyd, North Norfolk District Council’s Cabinet Portfolio for the Environment who, together with Cllr, Sarah Bütikofer, hosted the event, said: “I would like to thank everyone who took the time to come along to this event.  I am hugely encouraged by the number of people who attended and who are clearly passionate about making a difference to our environment. 

“This is a great starting point to help us understand what concerns local people about climate change and to work together to develop an Environmental Charter and demonstrates that we are taking positive action following our declaration of a climate emergency.”

Members of the public will have another opportunity to have their say at the Council’s annual, free, Greenbuild event at Felbrigg Hall on 7 and 8 September.

Cllr. Lloyd added: “Greenbuild is a unique event that will be full of high quality advice and information about living a greener lifestyle, with something for all the family to enjoy.  We will also be sharing findings from the Environment Assembly and giving members of the public another opportunity to have their say on what matters to them.”

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