In the run up to COP26 the Watford Observer has asked the council what it is doing to meet its net zero carbon commitment and mitigate climate change.
COP is the annual United Nations global climate change conference which stands for Conference of the Parties. This year marks the 26th anniversary giving it the name COP26.
Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor and Cllr Ian Stotesbury talked about Watford's sustainability plan which states that one of the most important issues for Watford to tackle is reducing car use as its roads are already congested while the town still continues to grow.
Transport is responsible for producing more greenhouse gases than any other sector in the UK.
Mr Taylor said: “We are taking urgent local action now to reduce its impact. We recently developed our ‘Transforming Travel in Watford’ 20-year strategy which sets out how we plan to make it easier and greener for people to get around the town.”
Among other points, the strategy looks at active travel which aims to make the streets of Watford "attractive and safe places" for people of all ages to walk and cycle with new cycle lanes and parks and new and improved footways.
To make Watford a "greener, cleaner, and healthier" town, EV charging points have been installed. Over the last 15 months, 17 dual 7kw fast charge points were installed across Watford and a further 8 are set to be installed by mid December 2021.
Rediscovering the River Colne and the Rewilding of Cassiobury Park are two other areas of focus in the council’s sustainability plan.
With the council, local Friends of the Earth produced a booklet which looks at the range of things people can all do day to day to live more sustainable lives.
One of the areas it covers is food, Mr Taylor said: “We know that meat and dairy production creates more carbon dioxide than plant-based food production, so switching to a more plant-based diet is a great way to help tackle climate change even if it’s just one or two days a week.”
Food waste is another key issue and as part of Hertfordshire’s WasteAware campaign, Watford council is encouraging people to waste less and be more creative with their leftovers.
Waste partner Veolia has recently worked with West Herts College trainee chefs to create a Love Your Leftovers cookbook featuring the UK’s most wasted food items made into enticing recipes.
Councillor Ian Stotesbury, who is responsible for Transport and Sustainability, said: “We each have our role to play when it comes to tackling climate change, and must all come together to create a greener, cleaner future.
“Not only will this benefit the town and its natural spaces, but will also enrich our own lives – making them more active, healthy and sustainable. We encourage everyone to do as much as they can.”
More information on Watford’s sustainability plan here www.watford.gov.uk/sustainablewatford
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