High Peak Borough Council has called on groups to apply for grants worth up to £500 each to fund climate change projects in Derbyshire.
The grants, according to the council, were part of its commitment to reduce local CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions, increase the ability of nature to absorb and store greenhouse gas emissions, and build resilience in nature to mitigate the impact of climate change.
The council, on its website, said that the aim is to mobilise the resources of local communities, encourage people to work together in a voluntary capacity and empower individuals and communities to take action.
It explained that small grants, between £200 and £500, are available to help support the delivery of the Climate Change Strategy and support practical measures such as tree planting and habitat improvement, educative actions to increase awareness and the skills needed to change and adapt lifestyles, green travel/transport schemes, energy-saving in community buildings, local food projects and recycling and reuse projects.
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In his reaction, Jean Todd, executive councillor for climate change, said he hoped it would encourage people to turn their ideas into actions.
“I look forward to seeing the innovative and creative projects that result from this extra help,” he said.
The council said that individuals seeking to make a difference to the environment were also eligible to apply for the funding, adding that it had published a list of possible climate change initiatives on its website.
“They include planting trees, sustainable food projects and green travel schemes,” it said.
The fund is for any community group which needs some help to set up a project to support nature or tackle climate change. The group’s main purpose does not need to be related to the environment, just the specific project it would deliver.
Story was adapted from BBC.