A NEW climate group has been launched to help to keep pressure up for lower carbon levels in Ludlow and south Shropshire.

Zero Carbon Shropshire, the new Shropshire Climate Action Partnership, brings together the councils in Shropshire and Telford, community groups, higher education providers and the business community.

This comes in the month when climate change activists in Ludlow and south Shropshire have been taking part in protests as part of extinction rebellion that has included placarding the A49

Its stated aim is for Shropshire and Telford to become net zero carbon by 2030, the recognition that the ecological crisis is linked to the climate crisis, and that the transition to net zero carbon should have a positive impact on the lives, livelihoods and resilience of communities and future generations.

The setting up of the partnership has been welcomed by the Green party in Shropshire who say that a local partnership has the potential to address both the climate emergency and the need for a post Covid 19 green recovery that creates secure jobs, strong communities, and a healthy environment.

“This partnership can be vital in identifying job-rich emissions reduction opportunities in areas such as local renewable energy, home insulation and transition to fossil fuel free heating, waste reduction and the circular economy, travel planning and transport modal shift, heat networks, nature-based carbon capture and many more,” said Hilary Wendt, of the Green Party.

“It can lead in identifying commercial or financing opportunities for green economy initiatives, including through community and mixed ownership and investment models that build community wealth.

“The partnership can win wide support, lead others and share progress reports with the public.”

To sign up to Zero Carbon Shropshire visit: “https://zerocarbonshropshire.org/