Key role created to tackle climate change
Cotswold District Council has appointed its first Head of Climate Action as part of its ongoing commitment to tackle environmental issues.
Chris Crookall-Fallon has joined the Council from a background in community energy business, carbon management and sustainability consultancy. His wealth of experience includes sustainable energy policy, economics, renewables trading and solar development in the public and private sectors.
“This is a strategic role, in keeping with the complex nature of the climate challenge. Rapidly reducing our greenhouse gas emissions will need joined-up working across every part of the organisation, and indeed with wider stakeholders,” he said.
“I’m impressed with the clear commitment that the Council has shown to this urgent priority. It’s important that everyone gets the chance to be part of the solution - not just Council staff, but individuals, businesses and community groups across the District. It’s a really exciting time and I can’t wait to get started.”
Chris was previously a director of a consultancy company specialising in emissions reduction, renewable energy and energy efficiency. More recently, he has been supporting community-owned energy businesses to innovate, raise finance and take action to both tackle the climate emergency and create social value.
Cllr Rachel Coxcoon, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, said: “We are absolutely committed to addressing the climate emergency, which is the greatest threat facing the future health, prosperity and safety of our country, with this week’s floods a stark reminder that extreme weather events are already becoming more common.
“We are determined to become a zero-carbon district and creating a range of co-benefits in the long term – cleaner air, better transport options, community-owned energy projects, smarter housing and reduced fuel poverty to name a few. Only by appointing senior, experienced officers will we ensure we deliver all these complex changes in a way that fully benefits our residents”.
“As well as advancing the climate emergency agenda within our council, Chris will work with residents, businesses, farmers and other groups across our district, so look out for further announcements on how to get involved”.
Councillors have already approved £185,000 of funding for the climate change programme delivery over the next two years.