CLIMATE CHANGE: Dorset Climate Citizens Panel report and video now online

The result of months of discussions between Dorset Council and a diverse group of local residents on climate change and ecological sustainability has now been published online.

Known as the Dorset Climate Citizens Panel, the group helped develop priorities and recommendations for how Dorset can build resilience and adapt to climate impacts.

Starting last October, the panel met to learn about local climate risks, hear from experts and explore the challenges facing Dorset. The Council is making it clear that the views of the panel are not necessarily those of Dorset Council – yet at least.

‘The Climate Citizens Panel is one part of a wider programme to develop a climate resilience and adaptation strategy for Dorset,’ said DC’s climate and ecological sustainability team manager Anthony Littlechild.

‘The panel’s outputs will be considered alongside wider engagement, research, policy, and best practice to help shape a strategy that is ambitious, evidence-based and deliverable.

‘We are also making it clear publicly that the panel outputs reflect the independent views of panel members and are not agreed council policy positions.’

The full panel report and video of the group has now been published online on the Dorset Council website at: Dorset Citizens’ Climate Panel – Dorset Council.

..with help from extra recruitment

Mr Littlechild added that the Council has now recruited ‘a dedicated role focused specifically on climate resilience and adaptation’ whose job will be to help develop a climate resilience and adaptation strategy for Dorset.

‘This new position will help carry forward the ideas and priorities raised by the panel and ensure we continue strengthening Dorset’s capacity to prepare for and respond to climate impacts,’ he said.

With thanks from SUSAC for the text