Events and News
Thanks to all at the Mid Devon's State of the District Debate
Mukti Mitchell from Carbon Savvy
A big thankyou to the Mid Devon residents, businesses, farmers and environment champions joined the Council’s 2022 State of the District Debate (Tuesday 05 April) on the theme of Mid Devon’s Communities and The Climate Emergency.
Guest speaker Mukti Mitchell from Carbon Savvy shared his top ten tips for cutting carbon in our everyday lives, as ways to improve your health and happiness.
Councillors and residents listened to Mid Devon environment champions including home energy advisor Tara Bowers, organic farmer Liz Bowles, campaigner Roger Stickland and we discovered green projects at Heathcoat Fabrics presented by Energy Manager Alison Kitchener and Environment Manager Victoria Pelaou.
Mukti Mitchell, Founding Director of Carbon Savvy, was the guest speaker and shared tips for cutting carbon in our everyday lives, with a real focus on raising our quality of life. His opening speech was hailed a “brilliant base for talks” by Council Leader Bob Deed.
Following the debate, which focused on the three themes of homes, leisure and work, Councillors will be considering what they heard during the event and looking at ways to work with communities to address the issues raised.
Cllr Colin Slade, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change, said:
“This annual event provides a valuable platform for communication between community groups, individuals, parish/town councils, councillors and the district council. Important matters such as Climate Change affect us all so it is vital that we all have our say and try to contribute to resolve these issues."
"I would like to thank those who got involved with event and look forward to having many more meaningful conversations about such topics.”
Guest Speaker, Mukti Mitchell, said:
“It was thrilling to take part in such a lively and inspiring debate. Mid Devon Council is taking a strong lead and residents posed brilliant questions and expressed their desire to know more about the steps they can take to reach Net Zero. Whether it’s buying food produced in Devon, using electric blankets to cut your heating bills or purchasing quality long-lasting goods, there is something everyone can do and it usually improves your quality of life and community connections too.”
Jason Ball, the Council's Climate and Sustainability Specialist said:
"Huge thanks to all who joined the event, especially those offering to work with us to support our communities to take climate action. There was great enthusiasm, immense expertise, also some concerns expressed and calls for support and cooperation."
"Debate touched upon issues such as public transport, retrofit solutions for older properties and the great potential for community-led projects to inspire change and support people along the way."
What happens next?
Councillors will be considering what they heard and how to work with communities to take things forward from here. Some ideas already relate to the Council's Climate Strategy and Action Plan, and recent outline proposals for investing in climate change projects. To keep up with news and opportunities related to community climate action, please follow this website www.SustainableMidDevon.org.uk or follow Mid Devon District Council on social media and please sign up to our email newsletter for the latest climate and sustainability news.
Mid Devon majority in support of tackling climate change
The Council knows the vast majority residents feel that addressing climate change is a high priority. Our recent Mid Devon residents survey found:
- 90% of Mid Devon residents thought it was very important (around two-thirds) or fairly important (nearly a quarter) that the Council undertakes activities to tackle climate change.
- Waste and Recycling were the focus for the majority of answers to the open question: "Are there any particular services areas you feel should not reduce their expenditure?" (Other answers generally fell outwith Mid Devon District Council duties.)
- Climate Change and value for money were key themes to answers the survey's open question: "Is there anything else you think the Council should consider a priority when setting the budget?"
The Council has its own Climate Strategy which shows how it aims to achieve Net Zero by 2030 and outlines steps to address the issue of Climate Change.
What was that Top Ten?
Carbon Savvy’s Mukti Mitchell suggested “how to increase your quality of life while doing your bit to reduce climate change” with his Top Ten Actions. (Here’s a flyer.)