Why climate action should not be about party politics: Arnold Warneken
As COP31 gets under way in Turkey this week, I believe there is an opportunity to put party politics aside and focus on something that affects every one of us: the future of our communities, our environment and the planet we will leave to the next generation.
North Yorkshire is a beautiful and diverse county, but it is increasingly vulnerable to the consequences of climate change.
From flooding along the Rivers Ouse, Swale and Ure to coastal erosion around Scarborough, Whitby and Filey, and the devastating wildfires on our moors, the effects of a changing climate are already being felt.
These are real issues that change lives. They affect people’s homes, livelihoods, businesses, farms and local infrastructure.
Rural communities face particular challenges, including limited public transport, older and less energy-efficient homes and rising heating costs.
Farmers are also having to adapt to increasingly unpredictable weather and pressures on land and water resources.
Climate change isn’t just an environmental issue - it’s about social justice, economic security and shared responsibility for future generations.
I want to recognise the positive environmental ambition of the North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith.
I’d like to see the Prime Minister take some of that ambition and come back from COP31 with commitments to match.
If Labour can think big in North Yorkshire, why can’t it do the same in Westminster?
There is a real opportunity to build on what’s already happening by bringing together councils, communities, businesses, farmers and voluntary organisations.
As a Green Party Councillor, I believe we should be ambitious, but also practical and collaborative.
But if we want real change, we need to see real environmental progress from all political parties. And indeed, some of the greatest achievements will come when people with different political views work towards common objectives.
There are four areas where I believe we can make a real difference together:
First, we need to accelerate the transition to clean energy, supporting renewable energy projects and ensuring local communities benefit from the opportunities they create.
Second, we need to make our homes warmer and more affordable to heat through better insulation, energy efficiency and support for households experiencing fuel poverty.
Third, we must protect our communities and natural environment through better flood prevention, river restoration, biodiversity protection and nature recovery.
Finally, we need to support sustainable rural communities, helping farmers adapt, improving rural transport and creating opportunities for secure green jobs and skills.
None of this will happen without proper investment and giving local councils the resources and powers to deliver meaningful change.
There is already some excellent environmental work taking place across North Yorkshire.
The challenge now is to build on that momentum, share good practice and develop a more joined-up approach.
I don’t expect political parties to agree on everything. Healthy debate and different approaches are an important part of democracy.
However, climate change and the protection of our natural environment should provide common ground rather than another political dividing line.
Our children deserve clean air, safe homes, thriving natural habitats and a stable climate.
Our farmers deserve a secure future, vulnerable households deserve support, and our coastal and rural communities deserve the investment and protection they need to flourish.
COP31 should be more than another international gathering.
It should be an opportunity to turn good intentions into practical action, with meaningful commitments and a shared determination to build a more sustainable future.
My hope is that political representatives across North Yorkshire, whatever their party, will recognise the opportunity before us.
By building on the positive work already taking place, sharing ideas and working constructively together, we can achieve far more than we can individually.
We may have different political priorities, but we share a responsibility for the people and places we represent.
Climate action should not be about party politics.
It should be about people, our communities and the future we want to leave behind.
That is surely something worth working together for.
Arnold Warneken of the Green Party represents the Ouseburn division on North Yorkshire Council