The Combined Authority, led by Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram, was the first to declare a climate emergency in 2019, and has set an ambitious target for net zero carbon by 2040 – a decade ahead of the national 2050 deadline.

From generating wind power in Liverpool Bay, to investing in state-of-the-art trains and hydrogen buses for a London-style integrated transport system, from creating a 600km walking and cycling network, to fitting energy-saving measures in thousands of houses, work is already under way to reach the target.

And longer-term plans to deliver clean, predictable energy and thousands of jobs, through a multi-billion-pound Mersey Tidal Power project, are also coming together as the city region works to build a sustainable recovery after the pandemic.

Now, as the countdown begins to the key COP26 climate summit in Glasgow later this year, the public are being asked to help shape the Liverpool City Region Net Zero Action Plan – the blueprint for becoming net zero carbon by 2040.

Following the CA’s LCR Listens approach, on-line surveys and in-person sessions will present visions of some of the changes we will have to make by 2040, in our homes and neighbourhoods, in our workplaces, and in how we get around, to help gauge how we all feel about changes we, as individuals, may have to make.

Councillor David Baines, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Portfolio Holder for Climate Emergency and Renewable Energy, said:

“The climate emergency remains the biggest long-term challenge facing our region and our planet which is why it is one of our top priorities.

“Devolution is all about empowering people to make the decisions that directly affect their daily lives and on this critical issue it is vital that everybody has their say.

“We are investing millions in green projects to ensure that we deliver Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram’s plans for a green industrial revolution, creating high-quality jobs and rebuilding our economy post-COVID.

“But meeting our ambitious target cannot happen without public enthusiasm and support for the many small actions and changes that will be required.

“For the sake of future generations, we have to get this right, so I hope people will take the time to tell us their thoughts, ideas, hopes and concerns.”

Councillor Gill Wood, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Deputy Portfolio Holder for Climate Emergency and Renewable Energy, said:

“It is increasingly clear that we are already in a climate emergency and that the time for action is now.  Reducing carbon emissions is the challenge of our age and the Net Zero Action Plan we are currently developing will set out how we will reach our target of making the Liverpool City Region zero net carbon by 2040.  Reaching that goal will not be easy and will require changes in all of our lives.  I’d encourage everyone in our City Region to take the opportunity to share their thoughts on the challenges ahead and help shape this vital plan.”

Gideon Ben-Tovim, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Climate Partnership and of Nature Connected, said:

“The climate and ecological emergency is exactly what it says – an emergency – and that means the time for action is now. We’re consulting widely as we form our detailed plan to become net zero carbon by 2040. This plan is hugely important in setting out what we will need to do to reach that ambitious target and I’d urge everyone to take part in the consultation and have their say.”

LCRCA is planning a summer of activity, from now until late September, including two major surveys and a series of workshops and focus groups. One of the surveys is specifically designed for young people, under 25 years of age, who as the next generation will also be impacted by the changes that will need to be made.

Surveys will be shared through the LCR Listens community forum, Commonplace, and on Snap.

The results will inform what the city region says at the crucial COP26 summit in November.

• Younger Person’s Survey (open to those under 25 years old): https://LiverpoolcityregionalCA.researchfeedback.net/s.asp?k=162446479330
• General Survey: LCRCA Net Zero Carbon | Commonplace