Futureproof Cumbria (previously Cumbria Action for Sustainability) has received £300,000 in new funding from Westmorland and Furness Council and support from the Lake District National Park Authority to grow the Zero Carbon Cumbria (ZCC) project and Partnership (ZCCP), to support climate action by diverse organisations and communities across the area.
The Partnership is a collaboration involving over 300 people from around 80 organisations which brings people together from all walks of life to share knowledge, coordinate activity and focus effort where it will make the biggest difference to reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases which are the cause of climate change.
The Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) support will enable the partners to track progress in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the increase of natural carbon storage, ensuring that climate action is underpinned by robust data.
The funding announcement coincides with the appointment of Michael Robinson as the new Partnership Manager for Zero Carbon Cumbria. Michael brings over 37 years’ experience in the public sector, including senior leadership roles within local authorities, with sustainability and partnership working being central to his career.
Karen Mitchell, CEO of Futureproof Cumbria and Co-Chair of the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership, said: “This funding from Westmorland and Furness gives us the chance to build on the £2.5 million we were awarded by the National Lottery five years ago which has led to people taking action across Cumbria – in councils, businesses, schools and communities. Our role is to support and grow that work. We’re really pleased to welcome Michael at this point, as we look ahead to the next phase of the project. Going forward we will increase our focus on influencing national climate policy and funding to ensure Cumbria’s needs and challenges as a largely rural county are heard when national decisions are being made.”
Councillor Giles Archibald, Westmorland and Furness Council Cabinet Member for Climate, Biodiversity and Environmental Services, said: “We’re proud to support Futureproof Cumbria and the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership so they can continue their vital work tackling climate change. Collaboration is key to achieving our shared ambition of a sustainable future, and by working together across councils, communities, and organisations, we can make a real difference for Cumbria.”
Tim Duckmanton, Team Leader for Strategy and Environment at Lake District National Park Authority, said: “Impactful climate action relies upon the best available data and evidence to inform decision making and underpinning plans to respond to the climate crisis. We are proud to continue to support and commit to Cumbria’s collective journey toward net zero.”
Michael Robinson, Partnership Manager for Zero Carbon Cumbria, added: “Cumbria has enormous potential to lead the way on climate action through partnership working. I’m excited to build on the progress already made and to support organisations and communities to turn ambition into delivery.”
