Three Staffordshire organisations pledged to take action on climate change at a conference bringing together civic leaders, businesses and community groups to tackle the crisis.
Nearly 200 people took part in the annual Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Celebration of the Possible (COP) Conference, which saw representatives from Lichfield Cathedral, TopCashback and Stoke-on-Trent City Council sign the COP Charter, a pledge to collaborate on sustainable change.
The conference, which was held at Lichfield Cathedral, highlighted growing climate challenges in Staffordshire, including flash floods and record-breaking heatwaves.
Councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for children’s services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Signing the COP Charter is a natural next step for us. It fits perfectly with our goal to create a sustainable, thriving city. We’re already taking action, including early development of a District Heat Network, promoting sustainable travel through our Transforming Cities programme and Bus Service Improvement Protocol, and we will be supporting tree planting in celebration of our centenary.”
Conference organisers, Uttoxeter-based The Globe Group CIC, announced a new partnership with sustainability platform OnePlanet, providing a digital tool to help communities and organisations develop climate action plans.
The conference also showcased a range of regional initiatives, including the Staffordshire Sustainability Board, Transforming the Trent Valley, the Local Nature Recovery Partnership and the Innovate UK Green Skills for Local Growth programme.
Michelle Hayes, Communications and Events Manager for TopCashback, said: “At TopCashback, we believe that sustainability enhances efficiency, minimises waste, encourages innovation, and ultimately drives growth that supports both businesses and communities nationwide.
“Championing sustainability is essential to securing the long-term health of our planet, societies and economies, and we remain committed to driving positive change.”
