There are now two major coalitions in Harrogate of groups tackling climate change, but there is tension between the two. So is Harrogate big enough for the both of them to co-exist? Will either or both be able to deliver change?
Harrogate District Climate Change Coalition (HDCCC) was set up by Harrogate Borough Council a year ago with the aim of bringing together local government, green groups and business.
HBC called it a “great leap forward” for the environment but members have criticised it for being little more than a “talking shop”.
In response, the similarly named Harrogate District Climate Action Network (HD-CAN) was launched last week, with a stinging criticism of how the HDCCC has been run.
HD-CAN founder Nic Haughton told the Stray Ferret that HDCCC was too top-down, which led to inaction and little being done. He said he wants to build a new type of relationship with the council.
He said:
“A key factor for the network is wanting a different kind of relationship with the council, which moves beyond the polarised positions which tend to dominate between council and concerned groups.
“We need to move onto a different kind of conversation of equals, involving council, businesses and local communities.”
What are the differences between the two groups?
HDCCC has four subgroups, which meet several times a year to discuss issues such as sustainable transport, tree planting, renewable energy, recycling and communications.
The main group last met in August and included representatives from Harrogate College, Transdev, Harrogate District Hospital, Highways England, as well as HBC councillors.
HDCCC launched a new website earlier this week, which includes tips on reducing emissions and details of how to get involved.
HD-CAN has a larger membership, representing 4,000 residents from 13 groups, including Extinction Rebellion Harrogate, Long Lands Common and the Pinewoods Conservation Group.
When they launched, they said they want to develop a “true collaboration” between communities and council to address what they call the most pressing issue of our time.
What needs to be done?
HD-CAN and HDCCC member, Zero Carbon Harrogate, published a detailed report last week setting out what needs to be done to avert climate catastrophe.
The messages it lays out are stark and warns that action in Harrogate has not been quick enough.
Whilst energy use has got cleaner as the UK weans itself off its dependence on coal, emissions from transport in the district have reduced by just 0.6% over the last 10 years and CO2 emissions from farming continues to be high.
The report sets out a roadmap for how the district can become ‘net zero’ by 2030 with suggestions including ramping up the number of wind farms in the district, retrofitting poorly insulated old buildings and introducing a brand new network of pedestrian and cycle routes to encourage people out of their cars.
A thawing of the relationship?
Members from HD-CAN met with HBC council leader Richard Cooper and cabinet member for sustainability Phil Ireland this week. Mr Oughton described the meeting as “positive on the whole but was just a start.”
He said:
“We have a long way to go to establish a shared understanding of what a different kind of partnership could look like and achieve. We hope to meet again in the near future.”
A Harrogate Borough Council spokesman said HD-CAN will be attending the next HDCCC meeting.
They added:
“Responding to the climate crisis facing us all is not just an issue for the council.
“It’s an issue for every resident and business across the district. That’s why we created a climate coalition, so we have the right organisations around the same table to jointly tackle climate change together.
“We welcome any residents, or action groups, who believe we can work together to create a better place for all of us.”
