The Charter
Last Updated on September 7, 2024
A guiding set of principles that we ask Brighton and Hove Council, local MPs from all parties and citizens to sign up to
Climate change and the biodiversity emergency are the greatest challenges we face and will profoundly reshape the economy and future wellbeing of all those living in Brighton and Hove.
Given the scale and urgency of these twin challenges, we have no time to lose. We therefore call on our elected MPs and councillors from all parties, and on all citizens, to come together and commit to the following guiding principles in all that we do.
Put nature recovery at the heart of all we do. Work with local and central government along with key stakeholders to restore and protect at least 30% of Sussex land and sea for nature by 2030. This is both our strongest defence against climate change and the foundation of a functioning economy. A sustainable natural environment forms one third of the essential components for sustainable development.
Reduce our carbon footprint to net zero by 2050. Shift to renewable energy sources, improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions from transportation, green our urban environment. Change consumption patterns, recycle.
Promote a circular economy. Design policies that stimulate innovation, incentivise resource conservation, waste reduction, and the reuse and recycling of materials.
Prepare and adapt to a changing climate. Work with local businesses and communities at both the neighbourhood and city wide level to prepare for the disruptive effects of climate change. Build flood defences, set up early warning systems, change business operations, and work with the farming community to switch to drought resistant crops.
Work for a just transition. Address the gross inequalities present in our city by ensuring that the benefits of a green economy are shared widely. Support those who stand to lose economically with opportunities to upskill and retrain for jobs in clean energy and transport, zero carbon housing and nature restoration.
Ensure all spending and investment decisions are aligned with the net zero target at both a national and local level. This includes £4.7 billion East Sussex Pension Funds of which Brighton and Hove Council is a member, money that could be invested in renewable energy, sustainable farming and green transport
Co-design policy at every level. Seek out the groups targeted by a particular policy. Create formal and informal means of public participation from the beginning, and make sure the public is involved in each step of the process. Include measures which address the concerns of those adversely affected. Ensure the highest level of transparency throughout the process.
Nurture strong, resilient communities. Green our urban landscape. Promote mixed development, public spaces and active travel that bring people together. Foster new forms of self-help enterprise, mutual aid and neighbourhood democracy to better prepare for a changing climate.
Restore power where it rightly belongs, with local people and communities. It is local communities across the land who will be on the frontline of climate change. Reverse the over-centralisation of power at Westminster; equip Brighton and Hove Council with the power and resources it needs; and enable local people and communities to have a direct say over the difficult decisions that will have to be taken to adapt to a changing climate.
The charter should be seen as a living document
We call on our elected councillors and MPs to set out how their work aligns with the principles of the charter at an open public meeting held every year.
The public meeting to be combined with a family friendly ‘climate roadshow’, which brings together schools, the Youth Climate Assembly, faith organisations, businesses, the Universities, Brighton Metropolitan College, the Voluntary,Community and Social Enterprise Sectors, the farming community, and other community groups, each with their own tables and stalls advertising what they do and how their work aligns with the principles of the charter.
Themed breakout rooms to offer workshops, a children’s creche as well as discussion topics which allow members of the public to engage directly with their elected representatives on more specific issues.