Trafford council declared a Climate Emergency in November 2018, which committed the council to tackle climate change and work towards carbon neutrality for the borough of Trafford as well as for the Council by 2038. In terms of engaging residents regarding the emergency, one of the key actions was the council holding a Citizens Panel in November 2021, involving over 30 Trafford residents. The outcomes from the panel have been used to help to develop a Carbon Neutral Action Plan for the borough.
Cllr. Shengke Zhi from Bowdon ward is keen that the voices of young people are heard regarding the Climate Emergency and brought a motion to the January 2023 Council meeting to ask that a Youth Council for climate change be established in Trafford. Commenting on the request, Cllr. Zhi said “Having declared a Climate Emergency, it is now the council’s duty to cut emissions, increase biodiversity, protect our communities and adapt services to minimise the impact of climate change, adapt waste collections and protect more vulnerable residents including those receiving adult social care, women, children and young people.
“I believe that young people have been under-represented and their voices are largely missed in Trafford regarding the climate emergency. Young people are more vulnerable to the climate emergency than older adults who have better paid work, more qualifications and capital, and stronger networks. The ramifications include increasing anxiety about climate related disruption, food poverty and energy poverty. That is why I asked that the council establish a platform, where young people can be engaged, to understand their needs on climate actions and work with young people together and in a meaningful way on this profound challenge.
“While the ruling Labour Group on the council did not commit to establishing a Youth Council for climate change, I am pleased that the council did commit to work urgently with families, schools and communities to deliver a fresh approach to ensuring young people’s voices can be heard by engaging with them and identifying how best they wish to raise their concerns about our climate emergency.”
