We are a group of Torfaen residents with different skills and experiences brought together by our commitment to deliver positive change and build resilience in our local community in the face of the climate emergency.
Climate Action Torfaen is a volunteer-led residents action group dedicated to building community connections for a more climate- and nature-friendly Torfaen. We were formed after Torfaen Council launched its Climate Ambassadors Network in November 2021; an initiative designed to help the borough reach net-zero carbon by 2050.
Our monthly meetings provide a space to discuss sustainability and work together on shared goals. We reach consensus on various issues and bring them to Climate Ambassador meetings, where we collaborate with Torfaen Council to improve local climate initiatives.
We dedicate an hour each month to hands-on projects, such as encouraging composting at New Inn Recycling Centre, supporting community gardens, hosting workshops, and more. Our recent focus is on creating a roadmap to address local climate and nature challenges, especially around food.
We’re currently seeking funding and partnerships, and are always keen to welcome new members. If you’re interested in our work or joining us, we’d love to hear from you!
Our Constituted Community Group
Climate Action Torfaen became a Constituted Community Group in Spring 2023.
Chairperson
Rhiannon Munro
Treasurer
Lauren Morse
Secretary
Amelia Pannett
Root for Our Future
Our current project – Root for Our Future – is all about exploring food sustainability within Torfaen. Everyone is welcome to attend one of our events. They’re completely free!
Aims
- To provide local people and businesses with practical solutions to issues like reducing energy consumption and waste.
- To be a source of advice about climate and nature emergency related issues, providing practical information about the changes we need to make.
- Build partnerships to provide training and education in order to help empower local residents and strengthen resilience.
- Facilitate connections between residents, businesses and the local authority on all issues related to the climate and nature emergency.
- To be a body that holds the council to account on aspects of policy that are not consistent with their climate pledges and tries to steer them towards more sustainable actions.
Key issues
Carbon Emissions: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to meet carbon reduction targets and transition to a low-carbon economy.
Renewable Energy: Promoting the use of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydro power to decrease reliance on fossil fuels.
Biodiversity Loss: Addressing the decline in biodiversity and protecting ecosystems that play a crucial role in climate regulation.
Adaptation and Resilience: Preparing for and adapting to the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and changes in precipitation.
Transportation: Transitioning to sustainable and low-emission transportation methods to reduce carbon emissions from the sector.
Waste Management: Implementing effective waste management strategies, reducing single-use plastics, and promoting recycling to minimize environmental impact.
Climate Education: Increasing awareness and education about climate change to empower individuals and communities to take action.