IT'S been repeated many times, climate change is likely to be the biggest threat to mankind that we face.

It is no longer simply an environmental issue. It is mainstream. According to the New Economic Foundation, two-thirds of Britons agree we are in trouble. We all need to do what we can.

While we wait for more action from Government, South Lakeland District Council has already made a bold decision to declare a climate emergency which was unanimously supported and endorsed by the council at the beginning of last year.

We made a commitment to work with communities and businesses to find ways to reduce the impact of climate change and biodiversity loss; scrutinising policies, behaviour and expectations internally and with partners locally and nationally where practicable.

To date, SLDC has:

- adopted a climate change policy and a biodiversity policy

- approved a council plan commitment to reduce our carbon footprint

- fitted solar panels to council-owned buildings, where feasible

- commissioned an energy audit of SLDC-owned buildings

- introduced the free water refill scheme

- provided financial support to enable the delivery of environmental projects

- financed a business leader event around sustainability issues

- continued to encourage the "reduce, reuse, and recycle" message around refuse and waste

- worked with landowners to maximise tree planting

- made an intention to be a single-use plastic-free environment at SLDC

- hired a dedicated sustainability coordinator

- promoted safe cycling and walking as an alternative to travelling by car

- and continued to promote and support the handy person scheme, the Local Energy Advice Partnership and Cold to Cosy scheme to help residents improve energy efficiency.

There are many challenges and we understand we are unable to provide every answer or every solution. However, where we have influence we will; where we can inform, we do; and when we can implement, we have done and commit to continue to.

This is only the beginning. We want to make a difference and you can help us. We have an ambitious set of actions that we want to discuss and recent data about Cumbria's carbon footprint. It’s about what we can to do together that will make the difference.

With this in mind, Cllr Giles Archibald and I want to meet with you again for more Climate Conversations later this month and in early March, all from 7pm to 9pm:

- February 27, Main Hall at Victoria Hall, Grange-over-Sands

- March 4, Supper Room at Coronation Hall, Ulverston

- March 11, Assembly Room at Kendal Town Hall

- March 17, Millennium Room at the Marchesi Centre, Windermere.

Cllr Dyan Jones

Climate emergency and localism portfolio holder, SLDC