I will lead the battle to tackle the climate emergency and protect our environment.

The climate emergency is real and we can’t have a fair, just and inclusive recovery from Covid unless we address the impact of climate change. Our local councils have all pledged to reach net zero carbon emissions well before the Government’s target date of 2050. I will lead a programme to achieve this, creating the road-map to deliver a West Yorkshire that is net zero carbon by 2038.

Supporting the work of Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission, I will work to accelerate investment in hard flood defences and natural flood management, green-proofing all policies so we tackle the underlying reasons for flooding.

I will encourage investment in the development of new technologies which will contribute to a green recovery. I will promote the transition of carbon intensive industries, and put in place targets and support to achieve strategic goals. 

I will support projects to develop a hydrogen economy which could provide zero carbon solutions for heavy vehicles and heating. These programmes can create thousands of jobs, making West Yorkshire a world leader exporting technology and knowledge.

I will work with large fuel retailers to provide electric vehicle charging points and deliver a network of thousands of electric vehicle charging points around the region. I will aim to ensure that motor manufacturers and energy suppliers take action alongside the Combined Authority’s public investment, to deliver their fair share of the infrastructure.

I will ensure we utilise the announcement that new English developments demonstrate a 10% increase in biodiversity on or near development sites, as well as the Mayor’s spatial planning powers.

I will work with relevant organisations to restore our peatlands and conserve moorland, both to protect our climate and create nature-based solutions such as Slow The Flow’s commitment to containing water upstream at times of heavy rainfall.

I will support the creation of a White Rose Forest across the region planting thousands of trees in our towns, cities and villages across the region

I will promote a focus on heritage conservation and support food supply chains from local farms to local shops, cafes and restaurants as well as low carbon food manufacturing and tourism activities to increase domestic tourism.