A SERIES of public meetings has been organised by South Lakeland District Council to explore new ways of tackling climate change.

The local authority is redoubling its efforts to address global warming and believes local people have a crucial role to play.

“Climate change is a looming crisis, a disaster in waiting if we don’t take action," said council leader, Cllr Giles Archibald. “This council is stepping up to the challenge and showing leadership by informing people of the facts, reviewing the way we currently do things, embracing new ways of thinking and sharing fresh ideas.

“Locally people may think they’re too insignificant to influence climate change but if everybody gets involved and plays their part we stand a better chance of making a difference.”

Next month Cllr Archibald will co-host public meetings in Kendal, Ulverston and Windermere with Cllr Dyan Jones, SLDC’s portfolio holder for environment.

“South Lakeland has already had its fair share of extreme weather and climate change is predicted to bring more storms and more flooding," said Cllr Jones. “By working with communities, businesses and local groups we are committed to finding ways to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

“The big question is what can we do? So, if you have any good ideas or suggestions for how we can influence change, please come along to these meetings and have your say.”

SLDC is re-establishing The Green Team, a dedicated group of officers who will re-evaluate what the council is doing to make energy efficiencies, promote alternative sustainable travel and support the community to reduce energy and protect the environment.

“We have been actively investigating making our buildings more sustainable and procuring more fuel-efficient vehicles, as well as encouraging the installation of hydro-electric turbines in rivers, and planting more trees," said Cllr Archibald.

“But we know we can do more and that’s where we need the help of the public. We hope these important meetings will be well attended and people will share their views on how we can all work together in the ongoing fight against climate change."

The first public meeting will be held on Friday July 6 at the Marchesi Centre in Windermere from 2pm until 4pm. The Ulverston meeting will be on Tuesday July 17 at the Coronation Hall from 7pm until 9pm and Kendal Town Hall will be the venue for the meeting on Thursday July 26 from 7pm until 9pm.