Derbyshire joins other rural areas demanding support to tackle climate change

A group of rural councils, including Derbyshire County Council, have joined forces to set up the Countryside Climate Network (CCN) to be the voice of the countryside in the climate change debate.

The network comprises 21 councils from every region of England with a mission to highlight the fact that rural communities are often at the frontline of feeling the effects of climate change and should get more support from government in recognition of this.

Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for clean growth and regeneration, councillor Tony King, said: “We believe Derbyshire’s innovative response to climate change will be of great value to the alliance.”

The network aims to bring its rural knowledge and experience on climate change to the table, debunking the myth that the countryside is peripheral to the economy and climate change.

Two thirds of people in England live outside the major towns and cities and they often face more barriers to switching to more sustainable living than their urban counterparts.

Public transport is less frequent and usually more expensive.

Many rural households don’t have access to gas, and oil fired central heating is more costly.

Rural areas have been suffering the effects of climate change on agriculture and in local flooding.

Mr King added: “Together we can shine a light on the unique challenges we face in comparison to our urban counterparts and push rural issues higher up the national agenda, lobbying for greater support to bring about the radical change needed to truly make a difference on climate change.”