climate change engagement 2019 feedback report · climate change engagement summary report, 15 july...

Climate change engagement summary report, 15 July 2019 1

Information Classification: PUBLIC

Climate Change engagement 2019 feedback report Introduction

This report summarises responses received as part of Cornwall Council’s climate change public engagement. The consultation ran from 6 June and closed at 9am on Monday 15 July 2019. The climate change engagement focused on asking people, of ten things that the Council has identified, what they would like the Council to initially focus on to help Cornwall become carbon neutral by 2030; what people are already doing themselves to reduce their own carbon footprint; and what they would be willing to do in the future. We gave people, who spoke with us a small packet of wild grass and flower seeds with details of the hashtag #CarbonNeutralCornwall and website which has more information and a link to the online survey www.cornwall.gov.uk/climatechange. The public engagement was in addition to the work undertaken on behalf of the Neighbourhoods Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and by the Council and our public sector partners’ workstream/network leads work with sector specific stakeholders.

Engagement overview We engaged with people face to face, on social media, online and digitally. We heard from 1,187 people online and in total 1,984 people face to face. Our engagement included:

• A stand in the Council’s pavilion at the Royal Cornwall Show, where we engaged with over 800 people across three days;

• An opportunity for people to speak informally with a Council Cabinet Member and Council staff in 21 town centres*1 where we engaged with over 940 people;

• An online survey available on the Council’s website, www.cornwall.gov.uk/climatechange, completed by 1,187 people;

• Climate change and carbon neutral Cornwall featured prominently at the public Launceston Community Network Panel meeting, attended by 30 people;



• Cornwall Council Members also attended community events in Bodmin where they engaged with approximately 110 people, and Penzance where they engaged with approximately 60 people; and we also attended the Truro Green Festival where we engaged with 44 people

• Cabinet Members additionally engaged with many young people during the four Youth Strikes for Climate that have taken place at County Hall, Truro

• The consultation was widely promoted, including via the media and social media. Public interest in the climate change engagement was reflected in high levels of interest, between 1 June and 7 July: ~ 5,039 visits to Council website climate change page

www.cornwall.gov.uk/climatechange ~ 31,324 people reached through 23 posts on Facebook, with 2,132 shares /

comments and 2,497 video views ~ 58,997 impressions through 28 posts Twitter, with 975 retweets/clicks.

Key findings

The majority of people we heard from at the Royal Cornwall Show, in town centres and through the online survey are very aware of, and very concerned about, the impact of climate change, and the scale of the challenge is widely understood.

Many people are very well informed about the issues associated with climate change, with the majority of people thinking it is very important for Cornwall to become carbon neutral, and to be an example of innovation and forward thinking on the subject. Many of them see it as the single most important issue facing Cornwall, the UK and the planet. A small number of people do not agree that there is a climate emergency or feel that there is anything they or we can do to make a difference.

People are very aware of, and understand, the possible measures that can be taken to help Cornwall become carbon neutral. Some people feel the deadline of 2030 to make Cornwall carbon neutral is not achievable, others are anxious that too little has been or can be done globally and it is too late to slow down the inevitable damage and impact; but many others feel this deadline is urgent and it is critical that we do not waste any time in mitigating the causes of greenhouse gases and global warming.

Some people feel the little they can do to reduce their own carbon footprint will not have a big enough impact and it is up to governments, industries and manufacturers to make the biggest changes and improvements.

Many people are also aware that the Council has declared a ‘climate emergency’ and are watching to see what the Council is going to do about it. Some people are interested to



know how the Council will fund any future measures, given the Council’s ongoing budgetary pressures.

What the Council can do to make a difference and help Cornwall become carbon neutral: Overall face to face engagement: The overall top three things people, with whom we engaged face to face at the Royal Cornwall Show, in town centres and at community events, consider the most important measures*2 the Council can bring about to make a difference and to help Cornwall become carbon neutral are:

1. Planting more trees (score: 2,154) 2. Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) (score: 1,860) 3. Making it easier to reduce, reuse/repurpose and recycle waste (score: 1,687).

Town centre and community events: The top three results from the Royal Cornwall Show were the same as the overall results above but differ to the results of just the town centre and community events engagements, which are:

1. Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) (score: 1,118) 2. Planting more trees (score: 1,104) 3. Making it easier to reduce, reuse/repurpose and recycle waste (score: 975).

Online survey: The overall face to face engagement results also differ to the results of the online survey, which are:

1. Helping nature and wildlife to thrive (score: 962) 2. Planting more trees (score: 919) 3. Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) (score: 909).



The top measure, for each of the towns and community events we visited, for ‘What the Council can do’ are shown in the table below.

Town / event Top ‘What the Council can do’ measure Bodmin Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) Bodmin Heritage Day Helping nature and wildlife to thrive Bude Planting more trees Callington Planting more trees Camelford Reducing car journeys through more buses and trains, more

frequently and helping people to walk and cycle more easily Falmouth Planting more trees Fowey Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) Helston Planting more trees Launceston Helping nature and wildlife to thrive Launceston Community Network Panel meeting

Equal first: Building more energy efficient new homes / Getting more solar energy panels on rooftops / Planting more trees

Liskeard Planting more trees Looe Planting more trees Lostwithiel Reducing car journeys through more buses and trains, more

frequently and helping people to walk and cycle more easily Newquay Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) Penzance Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) Penzance School Fete Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) Redruth Planting more trees St Agnes Making existing homes more energy efficient and greener St Austell Planting more trees St Blazey Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) St Ives More public charging points to help people switch to electric

cars Torpoint Making it easier to reduce, reuse/repurpose and recycle waste Truro Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) Truro Green Festival Helping nature and wildlife to thrive Wadebridge Pl anting more trees

What people are doing or have done themselves: The top three things, from the online

Photo left George went home and told his two older brothers that he had put stickers on a board for more wildlife, trains, buses and trees



survey, people have told us*3 they are already doing or have done to make a difference themselves are:

1. Educated myself about the science and impacts of climate change (score: 1,048) 2. Turned down my thermostat to reach the lowest comfortable temperature, typically

between 18 - 21°c and think about putting on a jumper (score: 1,032) 3. Buy local seasonal produce as much as possible, starting with at least two meals a

week (score: 933).

What else people can or will do themselves: The top three things, from the online survey, people have told us*4 they can or will do to make a difference themselves are:

1. Work on my own carbon footprint using one of the many easy carbon calculators e.g. www.footprint.wwf.org.uk (score: 505)

2. Do a home energy check to find out how I can save energy in my home www.hec.est.org.uk and/or ask the energy saving trust by phoning 0800 512 012 (score: 490)

3. Buy local seasonal produce as much as possible, starting with at least two meals a week (score: 455).

Recurring themes

A significant number of people thanked the Council and our Cabinet Members for visiting their town to listen to their views and to let them have their say. Those people who thanked us reinforced the point that the Council must act now and make this a priority by investing money and resources to put solutions and measures into place.

There were a number of recurring themes raised through our climate change face to face engagement and the online survey which include:

• Climate change / carbon neutral Cornwall: Several people indicated that all of the things that Cornwall Council can do to help make Cornwall Carbon Neutral are all important and that the Council should do them all

• Congestion and pollution: Many of the people we heard from in town centres commented on the impact of congestion on pollution and climate change through carbon emissions. They would like to see measures that reduce the amount of traffic in town centres and near schools and parks, including for example pedestrianised areas and ‘no (engine) idle zones’. One suggestion was for a “Don’t be idle – turn it off” campaign

• Education / information: Many people want the Council to provide more information to help them understand climate change and carbon neutral Cornwall. Some people suggested that the Council should provide support for communities that want to make a difference. Others feel education has an important part to play – generally and in schools which they think should include climate change in their curriculums

• Electric cars: Many people remarked that they would like to be able to purchase an electric vehicle but they are too expensive, battery mileage is limited, and they worry that there aren’t enough charging points in Cornwall to be able to run it if they owned one

• Energy: A surprising number of people are aware that Cornwall exports a high volume of ‘green’ energy into the national grid and want the Council to lobby the Government to increase grid capacity into Cornwall. A lot of people would like to see



Cornwall’s natural energy sources harnessed e.g. wind, wave and underground / thermal. Some people suggested that all new builds (housing, commercial and industrial) should have green energy options as standard e.g. solar or thermal. Many people would like help to be able to install solar panels on their roofs. A few people are concerned about having to reinforce their roofs to accommodate the extra weight and several people raised the issue associated with selling a property if the owner does not own the solar panels and would want any grant / scheme to address this

• Environment, trees and plants: A lot of people want the Council to plant more trees and to help people to be able to plant trees themselves; several people we heard from approved of the ‘Forest for Cornwall’ plan and made suggestions for establishing more trees (and pollinators) in Cornwall e.g. Every child could be given a (fruit) tree sapling to plant; Developers could be required to plant a tree sapling for every new home built; Tree saplings could be given to children instead of Easter eggs

• Farming / agriculture / animal products: Several people commented that they want the Council to also consider the impact of agriculture and farming on carbon emissions through agricultural machinery / vehicles, how the land is managed and animal products, with people typically commenting “Farming has a big part to play in how we manage our environment and in a future carbon neutral Cornwall” and “farming animals like cows and sheep puts a lot of methane into the atmosphere, so people should be encouraged to eat less beef and lamb and dairy related products like cheese”

• Homes / housing: Several people suggested that new homes should have green energy sources installed, including solar panels, rainwater harvesting, thermal energy and facilities such as cycle storage

• Litter: People suggested that more could be done to deal with people who drop litter and to make sure it is removed if it is dropped

• Lobby Government: Some people feel that Cornwall needs the support of the Government to help introduce new legislation and set new national guidelines and standards to drive down carbon emissions and increase carbon ‘lock down’

• Manufacturing / shopping: Many people we heard from were particularly concerned about packaging waste from supermarket purchases and want manufacturers to reduce packaging, especially non-recyclable materials such as plastic packets, black trays and multiple material drink containers. With comments like “Support greener supermarket initiatives” and “I want to be able to recycle more of the packaging that my shopping and food comes in”

• Planning: A lot of people are concerned about the number of new large housing developments that are adding to the number of cars in towns. They are annoyed and concerned that the housing is being given planning permission without ‘green’ infrastructure in place to help relieve congestion and other problems introduced such as extra pressure on local health care, schools and transport. Some people suggest that s106 or other systems should be used to put greener infrastructure in place to support new housing before construction begins

• Plastics: Most people are aware of the issue of single use plastic(s) as a result of Sir David Attenborough’s television and media coverage; although they understand this is not a direct climate change / carbon emissions issue it is important to people that there is a better solution available

• Public transport: Many people we heard from in town centres find it hard to get around by public transport and tell us buses are too infrequent and too expensive to be able to use regularly, and they want the Council to improve public transport links.



They also feel trains should be cheaper than flights and public transport should be less expensive and ask if Government or local subsidy is needed to help make train and bus fares more affordable. We heard from people in many towns where they suggested they would like to see branch rail lines re-opened

• Recycling: People were concerned about where Cornwall’s recycling went and what happened to it and were relieved to know that it does not go to Malaysia to be burned. Many people want to be able to recycle more products e.g. multiple material drink containers (e.g. Tetra Paks), thin film plastics and wrappers and we learned of a scheme in the Tesco store in Callington where they are able to collect a wide variety of recycling in partnership with a local company. They want more recycling collection points in public areas and for recycling to be easy and convenient. Some people suggested they would like access to public composting centres

• Spaceport / air travel: Some people suggest the Spaceport plans and our ownership of an airport do not sit well with the Council’s aspirations for Carbon Neutral Cornwall

• Strong leadership: We heard from a lot of people with very strong opinions about climate change and carbon emissions that are looking to Cornwall Council for quick, decisive action. They want strong leadership on an urgent call to action / for change.

Local issues

As well as general themes that were raised by people through engagement, we heard from people that told us about their own local issues and ideas too, including:

• Concerns about the increase in out of town shopping in Bodmin where four large supermarkets and the local library are all a substantial walk from the main shopping area and town centre

• Increased housing numbers in Callington are putting pressure on the local school, health and infrastructure with no increased capacity for public transport services or measures to manage congestion

• Air pollution concerns in Camelford caused by congestion and numbers of heavy goods vehicles passing through the town and the urgent need for a bypass

• A lack of tertiary education in Launceston and north Cornwall exacerbated by poor bus and train services – which in turn is also requiring unnecessary car journeys that add to carbon emissions

• Concerns in Liskeard about the lack of infrastructure to support new housing developments and related traffic problems

• Traffic and congestion issues in Looe where narrow streets and the traffic light controlled one way system makes it difficult for deliveries, pedestrians and residents

• Traffic in Penzance where revving and idling cars, vans and buses causing noise pollution and poor air quality making it unpleasant for pedestrians and shoppers

• The need for more small and niche shops in Redruth to help keep the town centre vibrant and busy

• Traffic issues in St Agnes where narrow pinch-points make it difficult for buses and delivery lorries to negotiate through the town and the need for managing cars that enter Churchtown

• The need for more recycling facilities in St Ives town centre and in holiday parks and accommodation, where a high number of tourists visit all year round (also raised in Looe and Newquay)



• Poor internet service and poor bus services in Torpoint and east Cornwall that effectively cuts them off from the rest of Cornwall and beyond

• Concerns about the impact of so many new housing developments in Truro - that do not appear to have been collectively considered and also with insufficient trees and green open spaces and without improved infrastructure or obvious sustainable energy use; as well as frustration due to planning permission given for a large scale housing development at Langarth in an already congested area.

Full engagement feedback

Detailed information including comments received through our face to face engagement and the results of the online survey with details of what people are doing themselves and



what else they can or will do to reduce their own carbon footprint, can be viewed in the appendices to this report, listed below.

List of appendices

Appendix 1 Feedback from the Royal Cornwall Show Page 8 Appendix 2 Feedback from town centre conversations Page 10 Appendix 3 Online survey responses Page 22 Appendix 4 Feedback received by email Page 32

Next steps The Cornwall Council employees survey is still currently open and results for this will follow when available.

Following the Cabinet discussion on 24 July we will hold further activities / events for stakeholders and young people, including a schools event in the autumn, to explore in more detail the benefits and impacts of the opportunities open to the Council and Cornwall. Additional engagement and the form of the next phase of engagement will be shaped according to the Cabinet decisions and further action(s) requested.



Cornwall Council climate change engagement 2019 Appendix 1: Feedback from the Royal Cornwall Show

As part of the Council’s climate change engagement this year the theme for Cornwall Council’s Royal Cornwall Show stand was a ‘green and prosperous Cornwall’ and an area of the pavilion was dedicated to climate change and Carbon Neutral Cornwall.

Council officers from the Communications and Engagement Service and Climate Change core team led the face to face engagement in this area of the Council’s stand and had conversations with over 800 people. People we spoke with were given a small packet of wild greases and flowers, which had details of the website www.cornwall.gov.uk/climatechange and the hashtag #CarbonNeutralCornwall.

Cabinet Members also visited the climate change area of the Council’s Pavilion to engage with and hear from people visiting the stand.

In conversations about climate change and helping Cornwall to become carbon neutral by 2030, we offered people the opportunity to take part in an interactive activity asking them to place tokens in tubes to vote on ten things the Council can do to help Cornwall become carbon neutral. People could place their tokens in any format they liked e.g. they could place one token in each subject, all ten tokens in one subject, or any combination of any number of any tokens, in any subjects.

The table below shows the results of the Royal Cornwall Show ‘tokens in tubes’ activity.

Royal Cornwall Show: What the Council can do results (tokens in tubes)

Result Subject Tokens 1 Planting more trees 1,050 2 Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) 742 3 Making it easier to reduce, reuse/repurpose and recycle waste 712 4 Helping nature and wildlife to thrive 662 5 Reducing car journeys through more buses and trains, more

frequently and helping people to walk and cycle more easily 591

6 Getting more solar energy panels on rooftops 491 7 Creating more large scale renewable energy farms 441 8 Making existing homes more energy efficient and greener 413 9 Building more energy efficient new homes 392

10 More public charging points to help people switch to electric cars 336



Council officers and Cabinet Members answered people’s questions about climate change and other Council issues and we also heard from them about issues that were important to them. People could also write comments on a chalkboard.

Comments and recurring themes that were raised through the climate change engagement, in conversations and in comments written on chalk boards, broadly reflected the feedback received through other engagement in town centres, and in the online survey.

The table below shows all the comments received on chalk boards at the Royal Cornwall Show.

Royal Cornwall Show chalkboard comments

Subject Comment Climate change Save our planet

Carb(n) emissions – don’t be idle turn it off! Energy Save energy

Solar panels (Set) Heating at 17°C

Environment Protection of natural environment Plastics Cease plastics like straws and cups

We need to cut down on plastics Reuse plastic bags

Recycling / composting

Campaigning recycling planting More recycling Access to public composting Kerbside recycling

Resources / utilities Turn the taps off Shopping / manufacturing

Support ‘greener’ supermarket initiatives

Transport / travel – buses and trains

We need more buses Clean transport

Transport / travel - walking

Walk to school more Walk to school

Trees / plants I'm going to plant wild meadow seeds Replace spaceports with trees! Plant spaceport with trees! A forest for Cornwall Plant more trees Plant more trees Plant more trees Grow plants Allotment(s)

Other Build more houses for homeless



Cornwall Council climate change engagement 2019 Appendix 2: Feedback from town centre and community events engagement

As part of the Council’s climate change engagement this year Cornwall Council Cabinet Members visited 21 town centres, during June and July, to explain the climate emergency challenge and to hear peoples’ views. We visited: Bodmin, Bude, Callington, Camelford, Falmouth, Fowey, Helston, Launceston, Liskeard, Looe, Lostwithiel, Newquay, Penzance, Redruth, St Agnes, St Austell, St Ives, Torpoint, Truro and Wadebridge, and in addition we visited St Blazey at the request of a local Member. We also attended the Truro Green Festival and local Members also attended two community events: Penzance Alverton School Fete and Bodmin Heritage Day.

Cabinet Members supported by the communications and engagement service, climate change core team, and community liaison officers had conversations with over 980 people, and local Members had conversations with a further 170 people. Many local town and parish councils have declared their own ‘climate emergency’ and have set up local action groups. We were joined in town centres by our own local Members, Town Mayors, Clerks and councillors.

In conversations about climate change and helping Cornwall to become carbon neutral by 2030, we asked them to prioritise the ten things the Council has identified we can do to help Cornwall become carbon neutral and offered people the opportunity to take part in an interactive activity. We answered their questions about climate change and other Council issues and we also heard from them about issues that were important to them. People we spoke with were given a small packet of wild greases and flowers, which had details of the website www.cornwall.gov.uk/climatechange and the hashtag #CarbonNeutralCornwall.

Key findings from face to face town centre engagement and community events about what the Council can do to make a difference

People were asked to place stickers on a board to indicate which of the ten measures, the Council can do to help Cornwall become carbon neutral, are most important to them. People could place their stickers in any way they liked e.g. they could place one on each subject, all ten on one subject, or any combination of any number of stickers on any subjects.

The table below shows the results of the sticker board activity in 21 town centres and three community events, with the top three things the Council can do to make a difference being:

1. Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) (score: 1,118) 2. Planting more trees (score: 1,104) 3. Making it easier to reduce, reuse/repurpose and recycle waste (score: 975)

Town centre: What the Council do results (sticker boards)

Result Subject Stickers 1 Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) 1,118 2 Planting more trees 1,104 3 Making it easier to reduce, reuse/repurpose and recycle waste 975 4 Helping nature and wildlife to thrive 914 5 Reducing car journeys through more buses and trains, more 896



frequently and helping people to walk and cycle more easily 6 Making existing homes more energy efficient and greener 614 7 Building more energy efficient new homes 568 8 Getting more solar energy panels on rooftops 562 9 More public charging points to help people switch to electric cars 466

10 Creating more large scale renewable energy farms 441

The table below shows the results of the sticker board activity, for what the Council can do to make a difference, for each town or event visited.

BODMIN

Result Subject Stickers 1 Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) 27 2 Planting more trees 25 3 Reducing car journeys through more buses and trains, more


4 Making it easier to reduce, reuse/repurpose and recycle waste 19 5 Getting more solar energy panels on rooftops 18 - Helping nature and wildlife to thrive 18 7 Building more energy efficient new homes 11 - Creating more large scale renewable energy farms 11 - More public charging points to help people switch to electric cars 11

10 Making existing homes more energy efficient and greener 6 BODMIN HERITAGE DAY

Result Subject Stickers 1 Helping nature and wildlife to thrive 24 2 Planting more trees 22 3 Reducing car journeys through more buses and trains, more


4 Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) 18 5 Building more energy efficient new homes 17 - Making it easier to reduce, reuse/repurpose and recycle waste 17 7 Making existing homes more energy efficient and greener 10 8 Creating more large scale renewable energy farms 7 9 Getting more solar energy panels on rooftops 5 - More public charging points to help people switch to electric cars 5

BUDE

Result Subject Stickers 1 Planting more trees 34 2 Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) 25 - Reducing car journeys through more buses and trains, more


4 Making it easier to reduce, reuse/repurpose and recycle waste 22 - Helping nature and wildlife to thrive 22 6 More public charging points to help people switch to electric cars 20 7 Getting more solar energy panels on rooftops 19 8 Building more energy efficient new homes 19



9 Making existing homes more energy efficient and greener 15 10 Creating more large scale renewable energy farms 14

CALLINGTON

Result Subject Stickers 1 Planting more trees 81 2 Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) 78 3 Making it easier to reduce, reuse/repurpose and recycle waste 73 4 Helping nature and wildlife to thrive 70 5 Making existing homes more energy efficient and greener 50 6 Reducing car journeys through more buses and trains, more


7 Building more energy efficient new homes 43 8 Getting more solar energy panels on rooftops 42 - Creating more large scale renewable energy farms 42

10 More public charging points to help people switch to electric cars 27 CAMELFORD

Result Subject Stickers 1 Reducing car journeys through more buses and trains, more


2 Planting more trees 44 3 Making it easier to reduce, reuse/repurpose and recycle waste 42 4 Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) 37 5 Helping nature and wildlife to thrive 36 6 Getting more solar energy panels on rooftops 27 - Making existing homes more energy efficient and greener 27 8 Building more energy efficient new homes 22 9 Creating more large scale renewable energy farms 18

10 More public charging points to help people switch to electric cars 9 FALMOUTH

Result Subject Stickers 1 Planting more trees 78 2 Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) 64 3 Making it easier to reduce, reuse/repurpose and recycle waste 63 4 Reducing car journeys through more buses and trains, more


5 Helping nature and wildlife to thrive 42 6 Getting more solar energy panels on rooftops 32 7 Creating more large scale renewable energy farms 29 8 Building more energy efficient new homes 27 9 Making existing homes more energy efficient and greener 24

10 More public charging points to help people switch to electric cars 18 FOWEY

Result Subject Stickers 1 Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) 44 2 Making it easier to reduce, reuse/repurpose and recycle waste 38 3 Reducing car journeys through more buses and trains, more




4 Planting more trees 35 5 Making existing homes more energy efficient and greener 34 6 Building more energy efficient new homes 27 7 Helping nature and wildlife to thrive 23 8 More public charging points to help people switch to electric cars 22 9 Getting more solar energy panels on rooftops 18

10 Creating more large scale renewable energy farms 16 HELSTON

Result Subject Stickers 1 Planting more trees 54 2 Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) 52 3 Helping nature and wildlife to thrive 47 4 Making it easier to reduce, reuse/repurpose and recycle waste 46 5 Reducing car journeys through more buses and trains, more


6 Making existing homes more energy efficient and greener 27 7 Creating more large scale renewable energy farms 20 8 Getting more solar energy panels on rooftops 19 9 Building more energy efficient new homes 17

10 More public charging points to help people switch to electric cars 12 LAUNCESTON

Result Subject Stickers 1 Helping nature and wildlife to thrive 37 2 Planting more trees 33 3 Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) 32 4 Making it easier to reduce, reuse/repurpose and recycle waste 27 5 Getting more solar energy panels on rooftops 24 6 Making existing homes more energy efficient and greener 23 7 Building more energy efficient new homes 21 8 Reducing car journeys through more buses and trains, more


9 More public charging points to help people switch to electric cars 17 10 Creating more large scale renewable energy farms 10

LISKEARD

Result Subject Stickers 1 Planting more trees 56 2 Making it easier to reduce, reuse/repurpose and recycle waste 46 3 Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) 45 4 Helping nature and wildlife to thrive 42 5 Reducing car journeys through more buses and trains, more


6 Creating more large scale renewable energy farms 26 7 Building more energy efficient new homes 24 8 Getting more solar energy panels on rooftops 23 9 More public charging points to help people switch to electric cars 22

10 Making existing homes more energy efficient and greener 20



LOOE

Result Subject Stickers 1 Planting more trees 40 2 Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) 31 3 Reducing car journeys through more buses and trains, more


- Making it easier to reduce, reuse/repurpose and recycle waste 27 5 Helping nature and wildlife to thrive 22 6 Building more energy efficient new homes 19 7 Making existing homes more energy efficient and greener 16 8 More public charging points to help people switch to electric cars 15 9 Getting more solar energy panels on rooftops 14

10 Creating more large scale renewable energy farms 11 LOSTWITHIEL

Result Subject Stickers 1 Reducing car journeys through more buses and trains, more


2 Planting more trees 49 3 Helping nature and wildlife to thrive 43 - Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) 45 5 Making it easier to reduce, reuse/repurpose and recycle waste 43 6 Making existing homes more energy efficient and greener 37 7 Getting more solar energy panels on rooftops 34 8 Building more energy efficient new homes 33 9 More public charging points to help people switch to electric cars 23

10 Creating more large scale renewable energy farms 18 NEWQUAY

Result Subject Stickers 1 Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) 49 2 Planting more trees 43 3 Reducing car journeys through more buses and trains, more


4 Making it easier to reduce, reuse/repurpose and recycle waste 35 5 Helping nature and wildlife to thrive 29 6 Building more energy efficient new homes 22 7 Creating more large scale renewable energy farms 19 - Getting more solar energy panels on rooftops 19 9 Making existing homes more energy efficient and greener 16

10 More public charging points to help people switch to electric cars 12 PENZANCE

Result Subject Stickers 1 Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) 30 2 Planting more trees 25 3 Helping nature and wildlife to thrive 23 4 Making it easier to reduce, reuse/repurpose and recycle waste 20 5 Reducing car journeys through more buses and trains, more




6 Building more energy efficient new homes 16 7 Getting more solar energy panels on rooftops 15 8 Making existing homes more energy efficient and greener 15 9 More public charging points to help people switch to electric cars 12

10 Creating more large scale renewable energy farms 7 PENZANCE SCHOOL FETE

Result Subject Stickers 1 Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) 134 2 Planting more trees 98 3 Helping nature and wildlife to thrive 81 4 Reducing car journeys through more buses and trains, more


5 Making it easier to reduce, reuse/repurpose and recycle waste 72 6 Getting more solar energy panels on rooftops 46 - More public charging points to help people switch to electric cars 46 8 Building more energy efficient new homes 41 9 Making existing homes more energy efficient and greener 40

10 Creating more large scale renewable energy farms 36 REDRUTH

Result Subject Stickers 1 Planting more trees 52 2 Helping nature and wildlife to thrive 50 3 Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) 48 4 Reducing car journeys through more buses and trains, more


5 Making it easier to reduce, reuse/repurpose and recycle waste 31 6 Making existing homes more energy efficient and greener 30 7 More public charging points to help people switch to electric cars 19 8 Getting more solar energy panels on rooftops 18 9 Creating more large scale renewable energy farms 17

10 Building more energy efficient new homes 13 ST AGNES

Result Subject Stickers 1 Making existing homes more energy efficient and greener 24 2 Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) 18 3 Reducing car journeys through more buses and trains, more


4 Building more energy efficient new homes 20 5 Creating more large scale renewable energy farms 17 6 Making it easier to reduce, reuse/repurpose and recycle waste 17 7 Planting more trees 17 8 More public charging points to help people switch to electric cars 14 9 Helping nature and wildlife to thrive 13

10 Getting more solar energy panels on rooftops 12 St Agnes also added an additional box: Education needs to be prioritised 7 ST AUSTELL



Result Subject Stickers 1 Planting more trees 39 2 Making it easier to reduce, reuse/repurpose and recycle waste 29 3 Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) 23 4 Helping nature and wildlife to thrive 19 5 Getting more solar energy panels on rooftops 18 6 Making existing homes more energy efficient and greener 18 7 More public charging points to help people switch to electric cars 17 8 Reducing car journeys through more buses and trains, more


9 Creating more large scale renewable energy farms 12 10 Building more energy efficient new homes 11

ST BLAZEY

Result Subject Stickers 1 Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) 82 2 Making it easier to reduce, reuse/repurpose and recycle waste 69 3 Planting more trees 66 4 Helping nature and wildlife to thrive 58 5 Reducing car journeys through more buses and trains, more


6 Making existing homes more energy efficient and greener 33 7 Building more energy efficient new homes 30 8 Getting more solar energy panels on rooftops 29 9 More public charging points to help people switch to electric cars 20

10 Creating more large scale renewable energy farms 14 ST IVES

Result Subject Stickers 1 More public charging points to help people switch to electric cars 62 2 Reducing car journeys through more buses and trains, more


3 Helping nature and wildlife to thrive 46 4 Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) 44 5 Getting more solar energy panels on rooftops 43 - Making it easier to reduce, reuse/repurpose and recycle waste 43 7 Planting more trees 40 8 Building more energy efficient new homes 36 9 Creating more large scale renewable energy farms 35

10 Making existing homes more energy efficient and greener 33 TORPOINT

Result Subject Stickers 1 Making it easier to reduce, reuse/repurpose and recycle waste 81 2 Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) 67 3 Helping nature and wildlife to thrive 56 4 Reducing car journeys through more buses and trains, more


5 Planting more trees 51 6 Making existing homes more energy efficient and greener 46



7 Building more energy efficient new homes 40 8 Getting more solar energy panels on rooftops 27 9 Creating more large scale renewable energy farms 24

10 More public charging points to help people switch to electric cars 14

Truro

Result Subject Stickers 1 Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) 56 2 Planting more trees 48 3 Helping nature and wildlife to thrive 47 - Making it easier to reduce, reuse/repurpose and recycle waste 47 5 Reducing car journeys through more buses and trains, more


6 Making existing homes more energy efficient and greener 29 7 Building more energy efficient new homes 24 8 Getting more solar energy panels on rooftops 22 9 More public charging points to help people switch to electric cars 17

10 Creating more large scale renewable energy farms 16 TRURO GREEN FESTIVAL

Result Subject Stickers 1 Helping nature and wildlife 33 2 Planting more trees 30 3 Making it easier to recycle & re-use 29 - Reducing single use plastics 29 5 Reducing car journeys 24 6 More rooftop solar panels 22 7 Making existing homes greener 17 8 More public charging points 15 9 Building energy more efficient homes 9

10 Creating more energy farms 6

WADEBRIDGE

Result Subject Stickers 1 Planting more trees 36 2 Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) 34 - Making it easier to reduce, reuse/repurpose and recycle waste 34 4 Reducing car journeys through more buses and trains, more


5 Helping nature and wildlife to thrive 28 6 Building more energy efficient new homes 18 7 Making existing homes more energy efficient and greener 17 8 Creating more large scale renewable energy farms 12 9 More public charging points to help people switch to electric cars 10

10 Getting more solar energy panels on rooftops 8 Comments written on chalk boards in town centres



During our face to face engagement in town centres, we answered people’s questions about climate change and other Council issues and we also heard from them about issues that were important to them. People could also write comments on chalkboards.

The comments received broadly reflected the feedback received at the Royal Cornwall Show, and in the online survey.

The table below shows the comments received on chalk boards in town centres by subject.

Town centre chalkboard comments Subject Comment Climate change This is more important than anything else – we have to get this

right now! It’s just a natural thing Everything is important! We should do more but other countries, like China, are far worse than the UK We need to work together to help solve the problems

Cornwall Council Challenge other councils to do more like Cornwall (engaging with people) Start in-house purchasing to have no plastic e.g. pen, stationery Could the Council’s pension scheme investments avoid supporting fossil fuel industries? We have several local groups running local green initiatives that need the Council’s support I hope the Council really is going to do something (this time)

Energy No fracking Geothermal energy Solar panels on greenhouses not houses Commercial building should have solar roof Wave energy Wind energy (not turbines) Solar panel make it more affordable and efficient Don’t want solar on green fields so large scale renewables option should have made it clear it doesn’t mean that but should mention wave and offshore wind Reintroduce the grant aid on roof solar panels Roof solar panels should be designed to look more like roof tiles Disapprove of large scale solar farms

Environment / wildlife / nature

Love the wildflower areas adjacent to car park Love the free wildflower seed packets Love the wildflower central reservations in Truro Wildflower central reservations (in Truro) are powerful examples of best use of verges as natural habitats, rather than mowing Verge trimming - if it has to happen for safety purposes – must be considerate of wild and rare flowers (to prevent another ‘orchid error’ Cormac and landowners that cut hedges and mow verges MUST take wild flowers and wildlife into account



Developers (Persimmon) construct playparks with no due regard to ecology impacting on the growing season and local rare wildlife including moths Land use for rearing animals for food products affects climate change We need to reduce meat production to help carbon emissions and climate change

Farming / agriculture / diet

Support for small farming / hobby farmers Crops not livestock How we manage the land is important (Foundation for Farming, Zimbabwe) Agriculture (is important too) Change in farming – fewer livestock herds and meat production Agriculture and farming has a part to play Go Vegan Disapprove of farm land being used for solar / wind farms

Homes / housing All new houses should have solar panels and rainwater harvesting Every new home should have to plant a tree Every new house should be built with solar panels Cycle racks for all new houses New builds all to have exterior or garage electric points for charging cars or bikes Housing is causing more traffic and related problems and infrastructure can’t cope New housing = more cars – congestion and air pollution Ban second homes Too much building is increasing pollution New house building in Truro is not logical or thought through well enough Not enough trees or open spaces on the new Persimmon estate on Green Lane, Truro No obvious sustainable energy use for new housing in Truro Future housing developments need to include open spaces and tree planting New housing development on Green Lane, Truro is ugly

Litter Encourage people not to drop litter Fast food outlets should be made to pick up litter from their stores

Lobby Government We need Government legislation / support to subsidise good public transport Reinstate grants for solar panels, and reduce VAT on them Reintroduce the grant aid on roof solar panels

Planning Neighbourhood plans need to work for climate change Use the planning process especially s106 New commercial builds and industrial or trading estates to feature solar roofing as standard Planning needs to support eco-friendly projects Local planning to prioritize the needs of local people



Plastics

Reduce or remove plastic wraps Manufacturers need to stop using plastic Ban plastic bottles Less plastic packaging – and no plastic bags! Not reduce plastic – stop it altogether

Pollution Camelford air pollutions needs help now! New housing = more cars = congestion and air pollution Too much building is increasing pollution

Recycling Non-recyclable plastics needs to be dealt with Collective recycling points in Torpoint We want to be able to recycle more products and materials Recycling should be compulsory! Approve of move to weekly recycling collections

Resources / utilities We shouldn’t run taps and wastewater (for cold water) Get rid of water coolers and introduce refill points Refillable water stations and refill in shops! Water companies waste a lot of water but more interested in profits

Shopping / manufacture

Milk should be in glass bottles (Shopping should be provided in) Paper bags There should be a tax on guarantees to make items last longer e.g. 90% tax on a year guarantee 0% tax on a ten year guarantee Borrow bag scheme Less packaging Reduce or remove plastic wraps Manufacturers need to stop using plastic Less plastic packaging – and no plastic bags! Support local growers and small grocery shops – each household should buy a locally sourced meal several times a week Unnecessary packaging – handing it back to the supermarket or retailer Ban plastic bottles Manufacturers need to stop using plastic packaging and wraps Shops should make it easier to go plastic free

Transport / roads Improve road infrastructure and reduce pinch points Housing is causing more traffic and related problems and infrastructure can’t cope New housing = more cars = congestion and air pollution Improve road infrastructure and reduce pinch points

Transport / travel – buses and trains

We need better public transport and bus / rail links We need more train stations We wouldn’t drive if there were buses Affordable public transport Reopen old train lines in Fowey Buses are too expensive (£5 for a taxi versus £5 for a bus journey!) (There is) no train station in Helston



Reduce the cost of public transport Charge 50p for bus pass users Invest in local buses Charge a small fee for buses (for people with bus passes) Improve public transport in an area with limited bus routes (mostly towards Devon) and 44 miles from nearest rail station Concessionary bus travel should be available in county of origin only, not countrywide Cheaper bus fares so we can afford to commute Public transport, bus and train fares cost too much and are not affordable

Transport / travel - air

What are the non-commercial flights that leave big trails that last a long time? How does the spaceport sit with climate change? Is the Council’s involvement in the Spaceport and a busy civil Airport juxtaposed with its climate change aims? We will be less likely to fly for business or holidays in the future

Transport / travel - cars

Lift sharing should be added as an option – Australia is much better on this – they don’t let you use the fast lane unless you have more than one person in your car The internal combustion engine will eventually be gone

Transport / travel - electric vehicles

More electric car charging points Electric cars need to be cheaper More people should drive electric cars so need more charging points but worried about lithium running out

Transport / travel - walking

Keep footpaths open so we can walk instead of having to drive

Transport / travel - cycling

Cycle lanes More cycle lock-up stands for local cyclists

Trees / plants Plant more trees We need to plant trees and not cut them down Give tree saplings instead of Easter eggs Make Liskeard the first woodland town! Don’t cut down trees Hemp locks down more carbon than trees We need more pollinators Not enough trees on the new Persimmon estate on Green Lane, Truro

Waste Make bulky waste collections cheaper and easier to reduce fly tipping Approve of move to fortnightly kerbside rubbish collections

Other Where were the wildflower seeds sources from? Cut spending Mend potholes Redruth needs more small and niche shops We need more common sense to help solve problems Concerned that we’re only getting certain demographic by being out during the middle of the day



Cornwall Council climate change engagement 2019 Appendix 3: Online survey report

The online survey was available throughout the public engagement period from 6 June to 15 July 2019 on the Council’s website: www.cornwall.gov.uk/climatechange.

1,187 people accessed the survey and completed one or more questions.

Results of the online survey are listed below. How people feel about climate change

Q1. How important do you think it is for Cornwall to become carbon neutral? The majority of people (87%) who responded think it is very important for Cornwall to become carbon neutral.

Not important at all 30 Not very important 26 A bit important 125 Very important 1,170

Q2. How concerned are you about the impacts of climate change?

The majority of people (87%) who responded were very concerned about the impacts of climate change.

Not concerned at all 18 Not very concerned 22 A little concerned 129 Very concerned 1,181

Q3. How would you rate your awareness of how you could reduce your carbon footprint?

The majority of people (53%) who responded were very aware about how they could reduce their carbon footprint and a further (44%) of people have some awareness.

I am not aware at all 9 I have low awareness 29 I have some awareness 596 I am very aware 717

About what the Council can do to make a difference

Q4. What the Council can do to make a difference

The survey included information about things the Council can do to help Cornwall become carbon neutral. We then asked people to let us know which of those things were most important to them by giving them a score of between 1 and 10, where 10 is most important.



The table below shows how people scored the importance of the ten measures, with the top three things being:

1. Helping nature and wildlife to thrive (score: 962) 2. Planting more trees (score: 919) 3. Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) (score: 909)

What the Council can do to make a difference Result Subject Score

1 Helping nature and wildlife to thrive 962 2 Planting more trees 919 3 Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s) 909 4 Making it easier to reduce, reuse/repurpose and recycle waste 866 5 Reducing car journeys through more buses and trains, more


6 Making older homes more energy efficient and greener 733 7 Getting more solar energy panels on rooftops 668 8 Building more energy efficient new homes 543 9 Creating more large scale renewable energy farms 465

10 More public charging points to help people switch to electric cars 422 About what you are doing to make a difference Q5. What people are already doing to make a difference The survey included information about things people can do themselves to help make a difference to climate change and to help Cornwall become carbon neutral (based on Climate Vision’s ten pledges). We then asked people to let us know which of those things they were already doing or have done to make a difference. People were able to tick as many options as they liked.

The top three things, from the online survey, people have told us*3 they are already doing or have done to make a difference themselves are:

1. Educated myself about the science and impacts of climate change (score: 1,048) 2. Turned down my thermostat to reach the lowest comfortable temperature, typically

between 18 - 21°c and think about putting on a jumper (score: 1,032) 3. Buy local seasonal produce as much as possible, starting with at least two meals a

week (score: 933). The table below shows what people are already doing or have done themselves to make a difference.

What people are already themselves doing to make a difference Result Subject Score

1 Educated myself about the science and impacts of climate change 1,048 2 Turned down my thermostat to reach the lowest comfortable

temperature, typically between 18 - 21°c and think about putting on a jumper

1,032

3 Buy local seasonal produce as much as possible, starting with at least two meals a week

933



4 Reduced my holiday air miles by 50% 762 5 Rung my energy supplier to see if I can switch to green energy,

if not I have found one 662

6 Walked, cycled, used public transport or registered with carsharecornwall.com to travel to work or another regular journey at least once a week

600

7 Worked on my own carbon footprint using one of the many easy carbon calculators e.g. www.footprint.wwf.org.uk

501

8 Done a home energy check to find out how much I can save energy in my home www.hec.est.org.uk and/or asked the energy saving trust by phoning 0800 512 012

413

9 Researched driving in a greener way by google / research or rung a driving instructor and booked a lesson to learn to drive eco-drive ideas

358

10 Contacted my MP and made my friends make these ten pledges too 223

Q6. What else people can do to make a difference The survey included information about things people can do themselves to help make a difference to climate change and to help Cornwall become carbon neutral (based on Climate Vision’s ten pledges). We then asked people to let us know which of those things they can or will do to make a difference. People were able to tick as many options as they liked.

What else people can or will do themselves: The top three things, from the online survey, people have told us*4 they can or will do to make a difference themselves are:

1. Work on my own carbon footprint using one of the many easy carbon calculators e.g. www.footprint.wwf.org.uk (score: 505)

2. Do a home energy check to find out how I can save energy in my home www.hec.est.org.uk and/or ask the energy saving trust by phoning 0800 512 012 (score: 490)

3. Buy local seasonal produce as much as possible, starting with at least two meals a week (score: 455).

The table below shows what else people can or will do themselves to make a difference.

About what else people can or will do themselves to make a difference Result Subject Score

1 Work on my own carbon footprint using one of the many easy carbon calculators e.g. www.footprint.wwf.org.uk

505

2 Do a home energy check to find out how I can save energy in my home www.hec.est.org.uk and/or ask the energy saving trust by phoning 0800 512 012

490

3 Buy local seasonal produce as much as possible, starting with at least two meals a week

455

4 Research driving in a greener way by google / research or by ringing up a driving instructor and booking a lesson to learn to drive eco-drive ideas

379

5 Ring my energy supplier to see if I can switch to green energy, if not I will find one

382



6 Educate myself about the science and impacts of climate change 381 7 Walk, cycle, use public transport or register with

carsharecornwall.com to travel to work or another regular journey at least once a week

364

8 Contact my MP and make my friends make these ten pledges too 329 9 Turn down my thermostat to reach the lowest comfortable

temperature, typically between 18 - 21°C and think about putting on a jumper

323

10 Reduce my holiday air miles by 50% 301

Q7. Would you like to be kept informed by the Council about Climate Change and Carbon Neutral Cornwall? All respondents were asked if they would like to be kept informed by the Council about Climate Change and Carbon Neutral Cornwall and to provide their email address. 688 people indicated that they would like to be kept informed and provided their email address for us to contact them in the future. Equality monitoring For equalities monitoring purposes, we also asked respondents to tell us about themselves. Responding to these questions was optional. What is your postcode? The highest number of responses came from postcodes: TR15/6 (50) Redruth, TR11 (49) Falmouth, PL25/26 (39) St Austell, TR1 (32) Truro, TR13 (26) Helston, PL17 (25) Callington, PL14 (25) Liskeard, TR4 (24), TR19 (23) Penzance, TR14 (21) Camborne, TR7 (21) Newquay, TR10 (20) Penryn, and PL18 (18) Calstock.

Please give your age Just over a quarter of people who responded to the online survey were aged 50 to 59 (26%), with almost another quarter being aged 40 to 49 (22%) and almost another quarter being aged 60 to 69 (23%). The ages of the people who responded to the online survey are shown in the table below.

Age Response 19 and under 13 20 - 29 78 30 - 39 139 40 - 49 238 50 - 59 283 60 - 69 243 70+ 89

How do you describe your sex? More people who responded to the online survey were women (64%). The sex of the people who responded to the online survey is shown in the table below.

Sex Response



Female 690 Male 375 Other 9

How do you describe your ethnic origin? Most people who responded to the online survey described themselves as white (e.g. British, Scottish) (72%). The ethnic origin of the people who responded to the online survey is shown in the table below.

Ethnic group Response Asian or Asian Black 0 Black or Black British 0 Cornish 281 Mixed (e.g. White and Asian) 7 Other Ethnic Group 15 White (e.g. British, Scottish) 760

Do you consider yourself to be disabled? The majority of people (91%) who responded to the online survey do not consider themselves to be disabled. Whether people consider themselves to be disabled is shown in the table below. Do you consider yourself to be disabled? Response Yes 91 No 975

People were also offered the opportunity to let us know, using open text comment boxes if: there is anything we can do or put in place which would make it easier for us to offer them an equal service; they need someone to help them understand information; and of any barriers they have faced when dealing with the Council. Several people used the open text comment boxes to provide their thoughts and views on climate change and carbon neutral Cornwall. Comments provided through the online survey

The table below shows comments, about climate change and carbon neutral Cornwall, received through the online survey by subject.

Online survey comments Subject Comment Climate change Don’t waste your time just get on with it

I am running a stall in both St.just and Pendeen Farmers Markets to make people more aware of the climate threat and how we can all do something to help, wether it is to save water, recycle use our new care and repair cafe etc. Flyers and recycling info would be good. Keep being told that you are re doing these but I need some A.S.A.P. Please. I don't fly so I can't reduce my holiday air miles and I rarely drive so these Qs were not relevant to me. I have not done an energy



calculator because I think it is essential that we all just reduce, reduce reduce our consumption at all and every available opportunity. Measuring reduction can lead to consumption within an agreed carbon budget rather than minimising consumption. We can't just fiddle with this. This is an emergency. We are facing imminent conflict famine .... we have to completely change how we live and change fast. Even though I have cut much out I am very aware that merely living in our current system means my carbon footprint is way beyond sustainable. Surveys are a start, but the questions limit the answers and we need to go much further than any of these answers. E.g. we need to BAN single use plastics and do so quickly. A Citizens Assembley for meeting the Climate Crisis is a way to get everyone more deeply involved. Cornwall could lead the way! This is a national need and part of emerging government strategy. Be bold and act bravely. Cornwall could be the trail-blazers and Cornwall Council gain much national credit. There is no time in this crisis to act small- act big.Thank you It took you 12 months to put up a sign by the pipewell. 8 months in and you hadn't even asked for permission. climate change requires action now. dont faulter please. stop talking [profanity removed] and start acting. Oh, actually I don't understand how an "emergency" equates to doing something in 11 years time...that's more of a bucket list.

Cornwall Council Stop trips all over the world by "council" staff, make more use of IT, make employees travel in the one vehicle instead of half a dozen workers using a vehicle each.

Environment / wildlife / nature

An easy way to start is to stop mowing miles of verges (as I saw the other day) cutting down all of the wildflowers just when the bees and insects need them. Didn’t you know our insect life is disappearing fast? I appreciate you need to keep access points clear, but this was vandalism at its worst! Think of the money you would save, the fuel not clogging the air and the bees and othe insects and wildlife being saved. Simple isn’t it? Why are there no questions about how new homes destroy the local environment? How flossing is destroying top soil? One of the worst destroyers of wildlife are powerful lighting and hedge flails destroying insect life, so please address these issues. Also, people need to be encouraged to have gardens, not concrete and tarmac car areas - maybe combining the two to assist bees and drainage. Rewind as much area as possible, let nature thrive.

Farming / agriculture / animal products

Why is there no question regarding giving up animal products? This is considered by several authorities to be the single most effective action we can make as individuals to reduce our impact on the environment. Of course, animal agriculture is a large part of the Cornish economy, but that is all the more reason to tackle the problem by educating livestock farmers in how to diversify into crops that have other uses than to feed animals, especially those that can be used to manufacture substitutes for plastic.



You have completely ignored the elephant in the room in this survey, ie the animal agriculture industry. According to the United Nations, it has a bigger carbon footprint than the entire global transport sector. This is DEEPLY frustrating. You have left out the most important issue of all, animal agriculture. Without tackling this, the rest is just words.

Homes / housing PLEASE STOP BUILDING - THE NUMBER OF HOUSES GOING UP AND NUMBER OF DEVELOPMENTS GIVEN PERMISSION ESPECIALLY AROUND NEWQUAY IS UNSUSTAINABLE!!! UTILISE WHAT WE HAVE ALREADY - REDUCE 2ND HOMES, IMPROVE HOUSES ALREADY UP ETC... A DEVELOPMENT OF 100 HOLIDAY HOMES NEAR QUINTRELL DOWNS IS NOT OK! Your multiple choice survey questions regarding housing. Where and how can I express my view that building new housing on land that will be needed for growing is detrimental to our ability to survive the future? Use brown field sites and use empty housing stock Drastically cut the amount of houses developers can build Provide grants for insulation look at the house build numbers and how they are constructed. look away from perpetual growth and economy .. Asking different questions, these are all a bit victim blamey. My landlord could make my house energy efficient if you made her, I can't. If there were no more second hones squewing the market I could afford to buy a house and make it energy efficient. PS we don't need to keep building houses for rich people to buy, take back the unused ones by force and let the unhoused people live there, and then there is somewhere for the wild life too. You won't tackle the thing without looking the elephant in the room squarely in the eye and giving it a name. Inequality. We live in an AONB peppered with beautiful and historic homes. Building generic brick houses puts further pressure on natiral resources. Houses should be built to scandanavian standards (cheap, frefixed, flatpack homes are cheaper to build, more affordable to buy and more efficient to run than traditional brick homes) Rewind as much area as possible, build less houses and only after full impact assessments

Involving people We desperately need to be involved in the development of the plan, the development of the communications and the development of such surveys as this, which are extremely narrow and have missed multiple tricks in terms of engagement, participation and information. Please involve us more in the development of this plan; if as you say the Council is responsibly for 5% of the county's emissions, and everything else is 95% - then logic would suggest the 95% would need to be involved in the development of the plan, on the basis of "nothing about us without us". Please let us work with you. Working with the communities across Cornwall is *how* *we* do this; not *what* *you* do as the Council. "Public engagement" is how we do this, not one of the



bullet points on your to do list. Many thanks. Planning Stop building on green field sites

So, Cornwall Council, the single best thing you can do to combat climate change is get your fingers out of Persimmons [profanity removed] and sort your planning department out. Overdevelopment is killing Cornwall and contributing exponentially to climate change. The planners are not sympathetic to climate change - Their dealing with the Anaerobic Digester and the proposed chicken farm and Pengwedna show that they did not look at the ecology of the whole site1 only 4 fields not the whole 63 hA.

Parking Limited free parking in Callington for residents Plastic(s) we need to BAN single use plastics and do so quickly.

Rewind as much area as possible, Reduce plastic Recycling / reuse / repurpose

Also, there is nothing in the survey for reusing and mending as well as recycling. rewards for recycling recognise those who are doing great work in the sector look at the Circular Economy and promote it Unified recycling systems: Cornwall council must push the government to introduce a standard nationalised recycling system so all counties recycling operates the same across the country (ie; what can be recycled etc). Proof that Cornwall council are not greenwashing commitments. Residents need proof our waste is being disposed of responsibly and ethically and not shipped abroad to become landfill elsewhere. Incentives to recycle are desperately needed to encourage more responsible purchases and disposal of waste by consumers. Financial or community incentives in local areas would encourage more people to recycle. Perhaps providing much needed resources to local communities going above and beyond recycling responsibilities (for example; council could provide new park benches, flowers etc if communities recycle xxxkg of wastage traditionally thrown away like cat food pouches, crisp wrappers through Terracycle or similar schemes)

Shopping / manufacture

Also, there is nothing in the survey shopping locally (preferably not driving to out of town places)

Tourism Why are there no questions about how tourism affects Cornwall and the environment or second homes? Holiday homes preventing local people using the allocated housing? How new homes destroy the local environment? How flossing is destroying top soil? Why are local people being asked to buffer this damage when tourism is increasing the road side damage from pollution?

Transport / travel – public transport

There is no box for further comments, in which I would like to add that although buses are useful, the many polluting diesel buses that go past our house regularly with hardly any passengers should in an ideal world be replaced with a cleaner option, such as electric trams or small electric buses, and it would be ideal to expand and electrify the rail network, as in other European countries that have far superior transport options. Provide more local public transport Provide more public transport, because we help the environment



by not having a car. Bring back free bus travel for 60yr olds.

Transport / travel – air / spaceport

Cancel the Spaceport. It makes a hypocritical mockery of all our, and Cornwall Council’s attempt to go carbon neutral. Scrap the spaceport. A ridiculous idea - and Branson's technology doesn't even work Why have you not asked for views about the space port or about flying in general ? We are going to have to limit the use of airports quite dramatically Is Cornwall Council supporting the lobbying of Parliament to set up a Citizen's Assembly to hear from scientists and report the truth to citizens? eg it is not appropriate or accurate to call an airport a carbon neutral zone I would like to know/need to know - how can the Council seriously be considering Spaceport when the climate is in such a drastic state already and is set to get far, far worse unless drastic action is taken. I would like to see the money spent on helping us all to sufficiently reduce carbon emissions and ensure Cornwall works towards carbon neutrality by 2030 - preferably much sooner than this. Cancel the Spaceport. It makes a hypocritical mockery of all our, and Cornwall Council’s attempt to go carbon neutral. i need someone to help me understand the councils thinking.. Climate action and space programs do not go together. you cant do both because people see through the [profanity removed]. Cancel the Spaceport. It makes a hypocritical mockery of all our, and Cornwall Council’s attempt to go carbon neutral. stop the investment into the space program that will benefit very few but at the cost to so many how about ditching the spaceport too. Hypocrites. Think about your "plans" "hopes" of space travel for fun and whether it is good for the environment. i need someone to help me understand the councils thinking.. Climate action and space programs do not go together. you cant do both because people see through the [profanity removed].

Transport / travel cars

Also, there is nothing in the survey for people who already work from home and so save car use Get a lot of cars off the road.

Transport / travel - cycling

Subsidies for electric bikes? Cycle lock-up bars by bus stops in major villages.

Trees / plants I would have liked an additional "any other comments" question on this survey. Has the Council done an audit on the number of trees in Cornwall? Canada has done this. By knowing the number of trees and calculating the amount of carbon each tree absorbs, Canada has discovered the entire country of Canada is already beyond carbon neutral. This calculation could save Council a lot of time and effort and further support the option "to plant more trees" provided in this survey as a means to reduce the Council's perceived carbon footprint. Please feel free to share these comments with my MP based on my postcode. Rewind as much area as possible, cut down no more trees, plant



10000s more tree, let nature thrive. Waste Getting rid of waste easily. The facilities at the tips have become

very off-putting. No wonder people are fly tipping, which I am very much against.

Other some of the questions were binary and didn't allow for comments / discussion The survey I have just completed was silly. You need to consult experts about what is known, not the public about what they think they know. This survey: It does not allow people to comment on a key problem, overdevelopment and building on green fields and subsidising spaceports. Would be really helpful to have a box at the end of each "question" page to clarify any answers given! Not all questions have "tick box" answers..... Why is there no room for comments on here? And why are there no social workers? Where are the mps presenting Cornwall in Westminster? They do nothing to support the poorest of Cornwall. I’m so angry austerity is lighten and Cornwall continues to suffer hugely. Cornwall should never leave the EU Inconsistency between promises or permissions and action in carrying out these statements face to face chats not being followed up by councillors Your questions are quite pre-emptive and have not allowed me to express an opinion or other options



Cornwall Council climate change engagement 2019 Appendix 4: Feedback received by email

The dedicated email address [email protected] was available for people to send their electronic comment to the Council. We received two emails as part of the Council’s climate change engagement including one email from Lanner Parish Council.

This issues raised in the two emails broadly reflected the feedback received through other climate change engagement activity including the online survey, conversations with people in town centres and community network meeting and community events.

The email comments received are listed below:

Email one from Lanner Parish Council

In declaring a Climate Emergency, Cornwall Council (along with other local councils and organisations in Cornwall who have done the same) is obliged to treat Climate Change, its causes and effects, as a true Emergency requiring a proportionate response. That response must be focussed, relevant and prompt. Whether or not one believes a changing climate is caused by human activity or by natural phenomena is not really at issue: scientific evidence shows a change taking place which requires some response on our part to mitigate its effects.

It is reasonable to accept that climate change is at least in part, if not wholly, due to human activity. It is a global issue and unless it is tackled globally there is little or no action that Cornwall can take unilaterally to have any significance on the future. The best that can be achieved is that, as a community, we build up resilience and resources to tackle the effects of what is to come.

To address climate change, the number one issue is to curb and reduce the level of population worldwide, now standing at the highest level in history. If we don’t look to that, climate change or its socio-economic consequences will reduce it anyway through war or famine. So we should start by discussing and lobbying for birth control policy and education; discussing limiting state support for larger families; and considering such matters in our international relations.

We also need to address our inherent desire for “growth”. The combination of expanding populations and expanding economic activity complete the equation for increasing levels of pollution in air, water and land.

Cornwall Council can help determine the quantities in that equation locally through strategic planning: particularly through review and revision of the Cornwall Local Plan. In fact, mitigation of the effects of climate change should at the heart of all decisions made. That is not an easy task, given the targets and policies set by national government: but this is an emergency and so where national dictates work against local efforts to combat climate change then they must be challenged.



If Cornwall Council is to play an effective part in leadership then it must show consistency. Pressing for growth, increasing road capacity, building more and more houses, facilitating more air travel: all these things reduce the perception within the community of sincerity or urgency of purpose.

The consumption of fossil fuels is a major concern not only because of their effect on climate but also because of the need to free ourselves politically and economically from reliance on imported energy. In addition, despite the temporary relief to “Peak Oil” provided by shale gas, fossil fuels are of finite supply. So, moves away from fossil fuels are inherently a good thing.

The likelihood of effective international action taking place is remote: the USA, China, Russia, Brazil, OPEC countries will all place self-interest first. In addition, people have aspirations, and these tend to be to emulate standards of living in the west. Is it possible to change those aspirations in a world which is propelled by economic growth and private wealth?

So, there seems very little we can do at the micro-level to avert some radical changes to our future environment. The value in micro-level planning is in promoting acceptance of a new culture of awareness towards pollution and the environment and to take steps towards mitigating what may become unalterable impacts on our lives.

For Cornwall to take unilateral action to become Carbon Neutral by 2030 seems not only unachievable but possibly also undesirable. Given the low level of average income in the county relative to the rest of the UK, such a policy would make most people relatively even more adrift of the national average. Unless there was a positive national wealth redistribution policy into Cornwall (and other low-income areas) poverty levels are likely to rise and the ability to take physical steps to mitigate climate change effects will be impaired. Carbon Neutral is not Cost Neutral. Given that the effect of Cornwall becoming carbon neutral will have no real impact on climate change, it seems unwise and even masochistic to be out of step with national targets on this issue.

How will we know when Cornwall becomes carbon neutral? The methodology of gathering data needs to be transparent and capable of scrutiny by the public. Do we really know where we are now with any degree of accuracy? The methodology is very important. For example, if a tourist visits Cornwall from Germany, to what degree are his carbon emissions attributable to Cornwall versus a tourist coming from Winchester? Similarly, if a Cornishman flies to a destination from Newquay airport are his carbon emissions different if he travels to the same destination from Exeter airport?

First and foremost, though, Cornwall Council must speak for itself. Can and will it become carbon neutral? How will Cormac and other assets be incorporated into calculations (or not)? Cornwall Council can actually control carbon emissions generated by its activities whereas for Cornwall as a whole, it can only have aspirations. Has the effect of carbon neutrality for Cornwall Council been monetarised and its impact on Council Tax increases been calculated? Will it precipitate rises in Council Tax requiring a referendum?



Specific Local Actions

Transport: Electric cars seem to be the way forward. Public transport is of limited use and efficiency in rural areas and more suited to urban or inter-city journeys. Perhaps the biggest deterrent to walking and cycling in rural areas is risk from traffic: partly because there are no pavements but most importantly because of speed. A reduction in speed limits to 40 mph where possible on rural roads would be an encouragement. There is also a need to encourage people to think about using the car for purposeful journeys: the sheer volume of seemingly aimless cars in the countryside is a very real phenomenon.

Housing: Build fewer houses. That will have a big impact on reducing (or not increasing) carbon emissions. Take a more restrictive approach to green field development. The economics of making many existing homes more energy efficient is questionable, particularly listed buildings.

Energy: All commercial buildings should be encouraged to have solar panels on roofs, and this should be mandatory for new commercial buildings. At this point in time the provision of new large-scale energy farms is questionable on grounds of economics, connectability to the National Grid, and environmental impact. But the issue should be kept under review.

Environment: Planting more trees is very sensible. Wildlife and biodiversity seldom get sufficient weight in decision making. The biggest threat here is “urban growth”: the physical impact of ever more concrete and tarmac and vehicle movement.

Waste: Making recycling easier is very important. There should be more local recycling centres rather than fewer large ones. The current trend to centralisation may be more economically efficient from an operational point of view but for rural communities this means greater carbon emissions!

Other Concerns

Water: Ironically, although climate change may precipitate a rise in sea levels it may also add to water shortage. Given Cornwall’s extensive coastline, should Cornwall Council facilitate or invest in desalination plants? Alternatively, do we need another inland reservoir?

Emergency Capacity: Cornwall’s hospitals and emergency services are already stretched beyond capacity and a substantial investment is required to bring them up to a standard where they could reliably cope with health and safety issues flowing from severe climate change. This requires a commitment to both capital and running expenditure increases. It also requires great investment in community care. How will this affect Cornwall Council’s political and budgetary priorities?

Sea Defences: The effects of climate change on future coastal development are commendably embedded in decision making but are there plans for community funded coastal defence plans to protect existing property and where and when will these take



place? Will they all take place by 2030? To what extent would the private sector be expected to either contribute to communal action or simply look after itself?

Quality Information: There is a lot of misleading information being put out under the “climate change” umbrella which is driven by other agendas and is not based in fact or sound science. This could have a damaging effect on core industries such as agriculture, fishing and tourism as well as the environment and biodiversity which they support. There is a role for Cornwall Council to play as a provider of sound data and tested opinion from which sensible decisions can be made. For example: emissions calculators can show a 100% difference in their results (see https://www.finavia.fi/en/newsroom/2018/what-are-climate-emissions-my-flight-try-out-most-popular-emissions-calculators)

Email two I've completed your survey but thought two key areas were missing:

1) Low impact development along the lines of Wales' One Planet Development. 2) The need to urgently shift from animal based agriculture to plant based.

Cornwall is such a fantastic place with a determined and innovative community. Let's embrace the Cornish spirit of ingenuity and self reliance, and encourage off-grid living with food and power security for Cornwal.

http://www.oneplanetcouncil.org.uk/ I believe this survey clearly shows the evidence for shifting to plant based agriculture.

https://www.change.org/p/cornwall-council-cornwall-council-to-immediately-address-the-environmental-impact-of-animal-agriculture

Again, let's use the Cornish spirit and be at the forefront of this wave of living more kindly.

Plants for a future has been doing amazing work right here in Cornwall for 30 yrs, and the Naturally Vegan Plot has recently moved here. Let's be pioneers and help farmers move to a kinder, more productive and less environmentally damaging agriculture. Here's the link to their websites along with links to support that already exists to help farmers transition. The benefits are enormous. From more productive use of land, to reforestation, rewinding, natural flood defences, reduction in greenhouse gasses at the same time as sequestering carbon.

https://pfaf.org/user/AboutUs.aspx https://m.facebook.com/naturallyveganplot/?locale2=en_GB https://www.vegansociety.com/take-action/campaigns/grow-green

All too often taking action to keep our environment safe is seen as cutting back. Let's not make it that way. It's an opportunity to make Cornwall even better and put us at the forefront of change.

Come on CC, let's do this together and make lasting positive change,



Notes *1 As part of the Council’s climate change engagement this year Cornwall Council Cabinet Members visited 21 town centres, between 10 June and 10 July, to explain the climate emergency challenge and to hear peoples’ views: Bodmin, Bude, Callington, Camelford, Falmouth, Fowey, Helston, Launceston, Liskeard, Looe, Lostwithiel, Newquay, Penzance, Redruth, St Agnes, St Austell, St Blazey at the request of a local Member, St Ives, Torpoint, Truro and Wadebridge. We also attended the Truro Green festival and local Members also attended two community events: Alverton School Fete, Penzance and Bodmin Heritage Day. *2 The 10 things the Council can do to help Cornwall become carbon neutral, that we asked people to let us know where most important to them were:

• Reducing car journeys through more buses and trains, more frequently and helping people to walk and cycle more easily

• More public charging points to help people switch to electric cars • Building more energy efficient new homes • Making existing homes more energy efficient and greener • Getting more solar energy panels on rooftops • Creating more large scale renewable energy farms • Planting more trees • Helping nature and wildlife to thrive • Making it easier to reduce, reuse/repurpose and recycle waste • Making it easier to reduce single use plastic(s).

*3 The 10 things people are already doing or have done themselves to help make a difference to climate change and to help Cornwall become carbon neutral people, that they were asked to choose from were:

• Rung my energy supplier to see if I can switch to green energy, if not I have found one

• Buy local seasonal produce as much as possible, starting with at least two meals a week

• Educated myself about the science and impacts of climate change • Contacted my MP and made my friends make these ten pledges too • Walked, cycled, used public transport or registered with carsharecornwall.com to

travel to work or another regular journey at least once a week • Worked on my own carbon footprint using one of the many easy carbon calculators

e.g. www.footprint.wwf.org.uk • Done a home energy check to find out how much I can save energy in my home

www.hec.est.org.uk and/or asked the energy saving trust by phoning 0800 512 012 • Turned down my thermostat to reach the lowest comfortable • temperature, typically between 18 - 21°c and think about putting on a jumper • Reduced my holiday air miles by 50%.

*4 The 10 things people can or will do themselves to help make a difference to climate



change and to help Cornwall become carbon neutral people that they were asked to choose from were:

• Ring my energy supplier to see if I can switch to green energy, if not I will find one • Buy local seasonal produce as much as possible, starting with at least two meals a

week • Educate myself about the science and impacts of climate change • Contact my MP and make my friends make these ten pledges too • Walk, cycle, use public transport or register with carsharecornwall.com to travel to

work or another regular journey at least once a week • Work on my own carbon footprint using one of the many easy carbon calculators e.g.

www.footprint.wwf.org.uk • Do a home energy check to find out how I can save energy in my home

www.hec.est.org.uk and/or ask the energy saving trust by phoning 0800 512 012 • Turn down my thermostat to reach the lowest comfortable temperature, typically

between 18 - 21°C and think about putting on a jumper • Reduce my holiday air miles by 50% • Research driving in a greener way by google / research or by ringing up a driving

instructor and booking a lesson to learn to drive eco-drive ideas. Produced by: Beverly Hill Consultation and engagement officer 23 July 2019

climate change engagement 2019 feedback report · climate change engagement summary report, 15 july...

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