Action to tackle climate change was at the top of the agenda when local MP, David Rutley, visited All Hallows Catholic College in Macclesfield, to meet with students and hear their questions on this important issue.
On the day, David joined members of the College's Eco Group, which has students from across all the year groups, for a question-and-answer session on this important topic. The students asked David thoughtful and knowledgeable questions on a number of important topics, ranging from the urgent need to take further action to reduce carbon emissions, plant more trees, stop littering taking place, improve cycling safety in the Borough, and address air quality issues.
The meeting was arranged following the 'Time Is Now' lobby of Parliament earlier this year, concerning the impact of climate change, which urged the Government to take action to reach net zero emissions as soon as possible. A delegation of students from the College attended the lobby and met with David to speak about these important issues.
David updated the young people present on the work that is underway, both locally and nationally, to make progress on these vital issues. This includes the Government's commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and the ambitions of its 25-year environment plan, to leave the environment in a better state than it found it in. Locally, David highlighted his support for the Macctastic Eco Network and his ongoing work to improve air quality in local communities. In response to questions from the students, David also gave assurances that he would keep close to the draft Local Transport Plan, when it becomes available, specifically in relation to improvements for pedestrian and cycle traffic.
Speaking after the visit, David said, "Taking action to tackle climate change remains a clear priority, and I was very impressed to hear for myself the strong interest and concern of the young people at the College to address this pressing challenge. Whilst positive progress is being made, there is still a lot more to do, and I will continue to work to support action at both the national and local level, to help deliver much-needed change."