Conference on climate change held

Over 60 community representatives from across Powys recently came together to gain valuable insights and guidance on implementing successful climate and nature emergency action plans.

The occasion was a free Powys Town and Community Council Environment and Nature Event, held on June 14th at The Pavilion in Llandrindod Wells. Organized jointly by Powys County Council and Llandrindod Wells Town Council, the conference aimed to commemorate The Great Big Green Week (June 10-18) and foster collaboration among local stakeholders.

The event boasted an array of engaging sessions, including presentations by speakers from various organizations, interactive question and answer panels, insightful workshops, informative information stands, and ample networking opportunities. Community leaders and attendees left the event inspired and energized, ready to make their collective vision of a greener Powys a reality.

Reflecting on the conference, Cllr Jackie Charlton, Powys County Council's Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys, expressed her enthusiasm, stating,

"I found it inspirational and have been contacted by many people who attended who said they did too. It's important that we all share ideas about reducing our carbon emissions and developing vibrant and healthy environments that are good for both people and nature, so that we can make our home the 'greenest' county in Wales."

Renowned television and radio presenter Chris Jones skillfully hosted the conference, which saw the participation of several esteemed organizations committed to addressing the climate and nature emergencies.

Some of the supporting entities present included Powys County Council's Waste and Recycling Service, Biodiversity and Countryside Service (part of the Powys Nature Partnership), Severn Wye Energy Agency, One Voice Wales, Centre for Alternative Technology, Black Mountains College, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park Authority, Planning Aid Wales, Coed Cadw (Woodland Trust), Brecon Town Council, Radnorshire Wildlife Trust, On The Verge, Wildlife Trust for South and West Wales, Keep Wales Tidy, Social Farms and Gardens Wales, Natural Resources Wales, Welsh Government's 'It's for Them' Campaign, its Section 6 Biodiversity and Energy Service, Tripto, and Powys Action on the Climate Emergency (PACE).

To ensure that all town and community councils benefit from the insights shared during the event, an information pack containing presentations and links to videos of the speeches will be provided to both attendees and those who couldn't participate.

Councils or community groups in Powys seeking assistance with their endeavors to address climate and nature emergencies are encouraged to reach out by emailing climate@powys.gov.uk.