SustainableAW magazine goes live: “collaboration key to climate crisis response”

A rallying call for communities in Adur and Worthing to come together and tackle the climate crisis is the key theme in the first ever edition of SustainableAW.

The bright new publication has been created by Adur & Worthing Councils to highlight the breadth of work being done on issues like carbon reduction, transport, energy and biodiversity. 

The aim is to raise awareness of these key green issues while supporting better connections and collaboration between residents, businesses and organisations.

The cover story of the 28-page online magazine focuses on the recent Zero 2030 climate change conference held at Worthing Assembly Hall.

Organised by Worthing Climate Action Network, Transition Town Worthing and the Councils, the community-led event brought together 300 people and 125 organisations to share knowledge and get inspired.

The magazine includes reports and features on the event, along with a Q&A with Isabella Tree, who has pioneered rewilding at the Knepp Estate, just outside of Horsham.

Speaking to SustainableAW, she said: “We’re facing a crisis of unprecedented proportions and it’s affecting all life on this planet, including our own. We can talk and talk and talk about it, and theorise about where we went wrong and what we should be doing, but unless we act, nothing will change. Setting targets and acting on those targets is absolutely vital.”

The central thread to the magazine is the SustainableAW programme, a shared plan between communities and the Councils, which recognises that residents can have greater impact by working together.

The publication includes details on the work the Councils are doing, such as declaring a climate emergency, implementing a plan to be carbon neutral by 2030 through changes to council transport and energy, and rolling out plans for a climate assembly for later this year. 

The magazine also includes features projects run by the wider community, such as Eco Open Houses Worthing and the EPIC scheme to bring a new watercourse, walks and wildlife into Sompting’s Church Farm.

Cllr Emma Evans, Adur District Council’s Executive Member for Environment, said: “The last few months have been dominated by a global pandemic. But, as we move out of COVID lockdown it’s vital that we do not lose sight of the bigger picture and responding to the climate emergency. Within this magazine you’ll see what could appear to be an abstract goal turn into a realistic plan of action.”

Cllr Edward Crouch, Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Digital & Environmental Services, said: “As a Council we have made good progress on reducing carbon emissions, but it’s vital that we as civic leaders show commitment and direction on this extremely important issue. 

“We invite everyone, all our partners and residents to join us in local action to tackle the climate emergency, which is ambitious, but achievable, and will help protect our local community for future generations.”

To read the magazine in full, visit: www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/sustainable-aw-magazine.