Rutland Climate Action (RCA), a Rutland-based group concerned about local and national climate and environmental action, are encouraging residents to become a 'Champion' for their school, employer or organisation.

Having relaunched in November, RCA is a group of volunteers who are working together to combat climate change and its effects in Rutland. They are looking for new members who can help with local projects, such as raising awareness, fundraising, and tree planting. No experience or skills are required, just passion and commitment. 

Rutland Climate Action aims to:

1) Build connections: One Rutland

2) Engage with the whole community, raising awareness

3) Educate and signpost to enable the community to make informed and beneficial choices

4) Measure success by monitoring and evaluating actions taken

5) Ensure that 'stakeholder' status is achieved: a united voice will provide evidence-based opinion on policy both at a local and a national government level.

Do you love the local area and want to support it? Image credit: Nub News.

Now, they are strengthening their drive and inviting members of the community to join the fight.

The team said: "If your employer or school does not already have a climate change champion or decarbonisation plan, you might be able to help them make the necessary changes."

Bill Stillman, spokesperson for the group, explained: "A Rutland Climate Action Champion can play a central role for an organisation to reduce their carbon emissions. They are the focal point for an organisation’s efforts in reducing their carbon footprint and thus play an important part in making change happen.

"You might be able to receive special training and support to better understand carbon emissions. You should be able to work with other members of your organisation to identify the appropriate actions your organisation can take to decarbonise their operations. You would then share your insights with the rest of the organisation and facilitate the necessary work. Being a climate champion might not only be a great way to raise your (professional) profile, but also help to make real change happen."

Please email [email protected] for further information. 

 Additionally, the climate organisation has also launched the Rutland Climate Action Champion Awards.

Award Categories are:

• Climate Champion 2024
• Community
• Business
• Primary / Secondary School
• Parish Councils 

And the awards ceremony will coincide with national Great Big Green Week, which is set to run from 8 to 16 June 2024. 

Find out more about the awards, including how to nominate, here.

Rutland Climate Action is made up of local volunteers, business owners and officials. Image credit: Nub News.