If the recent unprecedented heatwave showed us anything, it was that we need to adapt to a hotter planet. Simple changes like staying indoors, keeping curtains drawn, putting water out for the birds are easy, but more radical structural changes are needed as well.

We in Stroud district are lucky in having a council that is doing everything in its power to address this. Stroud District Council declared a climate emergency in 2018 and the value of this foresight and the planning for climate resilience is becoming increasingly clear. The ambition is for the whole district to become climate resilient and carbon neutral by 2030 (the council was the first in Europe to become carbon neutral for emissions in its direct control).

Unlike the Conservative government, which has so far - illegally - failed to explain how its net zero policies will achieve emissions targets, Stroud’s Council Plan for 2021-2026 makes clear that the ecological emergency and climate change are priorities.

It recognises that families on lower incomes are harder hit by heatwaves, floods and soaring energy bills, therefore justice and equality need to be at the heart of any transition to a sustainable future.

Making our existing houses energy efficient, cheaper to run, warmer in the winter and cooler in heatwaves is a key priority. Other targets include ecologically sound sustainable construction of new homes, more natural flood management, more biodiversity and trees, better public transport and a more inclusive circular local economy, phasing out single use plastics, reducing waste, and championing local businesses.

As part of the district council’s ruling alliance for the past 10 years, the Greens have been a key part of this planning. Working with others for community benefit has always been the Green way and now more than ever. We must all adapt and we can do it together, as a community, for ourselves, for the planet and for future generations.

From Stroud Green District councillors

Beki Aldam

Martin Baxendale

Catherine Braun

Martin Brown

Kate Crews

Jonathan Edmunds

Steve Hynd

Chris Jockel

Norman Kay

Martin Pearcy

Lucas Schoemaker

Chloe Turner

Tricia Watson