Public’s views sought on climate action plan
GLASGOW’S response to the climate and ecological emergency can be shaped by the public after the council launched a new consultation.
The city authority declared the emergency in May last year “in recognition of the unprecedented nature of the challenge which climate change presents to us all”.
A working group has been formed to look at the ecological aspect of the emergency and is seeking views on potential action.
Suggestions include more protection for green spaces, more local nature reserves and more trees on the streets. Green roofs and walls on city buildings, new wildflower meadows, ponds and wetlands and restored peat bogs are other ideas put forward by the council.
Increasing public awareness of the benefits to physical and mental health of contact with nature is also included.
Councillor Anna Richardson, convener for sustainability and carbon reduction, said: “There is a huge amount of work under way in the city that is intended to support the city’s ecology.
“Initiatives such as the biodiversity action plan and the open space strategy are key documents that aim to create positive habitats for the thousands of species that live in the city.
“But it has been clearly identified at an international level that ecosystems across the world are under enormous pressure and that we are facing an ecological emergency.”
She added: “As with the city’s response to the climate emergency, we must also make sure that the policies we have in place can protect the city’s ecology.
“The consultation is a chance for members of the public to put forward their point of view and I urge anyone who is concerned about Glasgow’s natural world to contribute.”
Questions included in the consultation ask how the council can successfully involve the public in discussions, whether that is via social media, volunteering opportunities, community drop-ins, partnerships with schools or food-growing groups.
Councillors want to know what
THIS adorable otter cub is clearly in the mood for love – as he displays a perfect heartshaped gap between his legs.
The young otter was spotted trotting through grass having gone for a quick dip in the River Don near Aberdeen, Scotland, earlier this week.
Wildlife photographer Colin Black was lying in wait to snap the cub as it emerged on the riverbank.
Colin said: “I couldn’t believe that a heart shape had formed between its legs as it was walking towards me – and just in time for Valentine’s Day.”