The boss of NatWest has said Bristol and the West Country “needs to be clear†on its leadership of the green agenda in order to attract investment and funding to the region.
Speaking at the launch of the city’s Climate Action Programme, banking chief Alison Rose said the city’s leading role in addressing the climate crisis was already “critical†to the º£½ÇÊÓƵ.
Bristol is aiming to become carbon neutral by 2030 and its Green Capital Partnership - more than 800 organisations that have pledged to help the city become sustainable - published a plan to reach its targets on Wednesday, April 7.
“[Bristol] needs to be clear on its leadership position... through job creation and innovation,†said Ms Rose. “I think leadership [of the issue] will ensure the money is there.
“I spend a lot of time talking to investors who are focused on this agenda and [they are often] more forward-thinking than government agencies. They will make decisions where the money goes and it will flow in.â€
NatWest has pledged to “at least halve†the climate impact of financing activity by 2030, including stopping lending and underwriting to major oil and gas producers without a credible transition plan in line with the 2015 Paris Agreement by end of this year.
"We have a clear obligation to play an active role in supporting Britain’s transition to a low carbon economy, to reduce the effects of climate change, and to protect the planet for future generations," added Ms Rose.
“Bristol has long shared these same ambitions, leading the way by not only being the first city to declare a climate emergency, but by committing to becoming carbon neutral and climate resilient by 2030."
The city's action programme includes events, resources and peer-to-peer learning opportunities, as well as a group of 'Climate Leaders' - organisations that have pledged to become carbon neutral in their own operations by 2030 too.
Those behind the programme, which is backed by Bristol City Council and NatWest, are urging companies to take action to tackle the climate crisis.
Bristol Green Capital Partnership’s chief operating officer, Lizzi Testani, said: “We know that urgent, radical changes are needed on a local, national and global scale if we are to tackle the climate and ecological crises, and that despite the other challenges we’re facing the time to act is now.
"We’re delighted to be launching the Climate Action Programme to help organisations understand and reduce their impact on the environment– and to know that they’re not doing it alone.â€
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Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees added: “Bristol is already showing leadership through its action and ambition to tackle the climate crisis, but faster, transformative change is needed to meet the scale of the challenge.
"The partnership can play a key role in supporting organisations and businesses to contribute to this city-wide effort.â€
The £4m funding from Bristol City Council is part of its Climate and Ecological Emergency Programme, which includes a pledge by the local authority to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and its ecological impact.
What do you think needs to be done to address the climate emergency? Share your thoughts in the comments below
