Will our new mayor pledge to tackle climate change?

In May 2024, people in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire will be able to vote for an "East Midlands Combined Authority" mayor for the first time. The new mayor will have significant powers over transport, housing, training, energy and environment.

Friends of the Earth has been working with local environmental groups to ensure that all candidates commit to tackling the climate and ecological emergencies.

All candidates will be asked to sign the following pledge:

"I recognise the vital role I have in working with communities to meet our legally binding 2030 climate commitments. I pledge, if elected, to use my powers, funding and influence to deliver the actions necessary to tackle the climate and nature emergencies and build a fairer society for all in my area."

In addition they will be asked to sign up to a ten point plan:

1. Ensure all decisions address the climate and ecological emergency and align with carbon reduction targets.
2. Ensure those most impacted are heard and centre-stage in decision-making.
3. Support new green jobs and protect workers and communities through a just transition.
4. Ensure new development is zero carbon and accessible by public transport and active travel.
5. Bring existing homes and buildings up to a high energy efficiency standard.
6. Double public transport use and increase walking and cycling, with a rapid move to bus franchising.
7. Increase the supply of renewable energy, supporting community energy initiatives and heat pumps.
8. Increase tree cover, protect and enhance nature, eliminate greenspace deprivation, and make the area more resilient to climate change.
9. Lead a circular economy strategy to cut resource consumption and waste and boost the green economy, including alternatives to cement.
10. Ensure that plans for hydrogen only use "green" hydrogen (made from renewable electricity) and only where it is more efficient than direct electrification.