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11
Aug 2020
Harrogate Climate Coalition faces fresh criticism
Another member of Harrogate's Climate Coalition has spoken out against the group, saying it needs to be "more than a talking shop".
Arnold Warneken from the Harrogate Green Party said he has written to Cllr Phil Ireland, who chairs the coalition, calling on Harrogate Borough Council to take "decisive action" in response to the climate emergency.
The Harrogate Climate Coalition was formed at the beginning of this year after HBC rejected calls to declare a climate emergency in 2019. It brings together councillors as well as green groups and local businesses — with the aim of working together in the name of sustainability and helping the environment.
However, since it was formed it has faced criticism, with members frustrated over progress in tackling climate change. In June, campaigner Malcolm Margolis resigned from the coalition's sustainable transport subgroup because of a “lack of action”.
Mr Warneken said the coalition needs to "transform the way it operates and act with a real sense of urgency".
He said:
Read more:
Why Harrogate Borough Council won’t declare a ‘Climate Emergency’
Environmental campaigner quits Harrogate Climate Coalition
Cllr Phil Ireland, cabinet member for carbon reduction and sustainability, told the Stray Ferret that the council has implemented a range of measures to improve the environment which he said is saving "hundreds of tonnes" of CO2 every year.
These include a carbon reduction strategy, a low emission car club and improvements to Harrogate rail and bus stations.
He also said Harrogate Borough Council's move to the civic centre at Knapping Mount, which includes solar panels, green roofs and passive heating, is improving the authority's carbon footprint.
He added:
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