ESSEX County Council launched a brand new fund last week offering grants of up to £20,000 to support community projects tackling climate change.

The £500,000 Climate Action Fund is available until March 2023 and was announced at the Essex Climate Action Commission’s report launch event last week.

Councillor Peter Schwier, climate czar at the county council said: “We are all working to tackle the climate challenge here in Essex. I hope this ambitious fund can inspire people across Essex to act and do their bit with friends and family. It’s a great opportunity for more communities to get involved.”

The fund has been created to support the Commission’s Net Zero: Making Essex Carbon Neutral report, which makes recommendations on how all organisations, businesses, communities and residents can work together to make the county net zero by 2050.

A heartwarming video from Danbury Park Primary School kicked off the event, with the youngsters discussing their concerns about climate change and ideas to help prevent its effects.

And further encouragement was drawn from a showcase of all the impactful projects already happening across Essex, from flood management schemes to solar panel installation, cycle hire schemes and retrofitting homes with sustainable heating systems.

Also during the event the Commission revealed its recommendations for best practice across six core themes: land use and green infrastructure, the built environment, waste, energy, transport, and community engagement.

Leader of Essex County Council, Mr Kevin Bentley said: “Climate change is the biggest issue we are facing both globally and in Essex, because it’s not just about us, it’s about the generations to come.

"Essex County Council is proud to be on the forefront of combating this alongside the Commission, and we look forward to working together with everybody who lives and works in Essex to help make net zero a reality."

An interactive audience poll at the event highlighted the steps residents are prepared to take to tackle climate change and a final poll revealed 91 per cent were likely or very likely to take action after the event. 

The Essex Climate Action Commission is an independent, voluntary, and cross-party body, made up of over 30 commissioners from the public and private and third sectors, to promote and guide climate action in the county.

To find out more about the Climate Action Challenge Fund visit www.essex.gov.uk/leisure-culture-local-heritage/culture-and-communities