YOUNG people have engaged with the Warrington community about the future of the borough and what they think is important about the impacts of climate change.
The “Warrington Community Conversation” project was funded by Innovate UK’s Net Zero Living programme, and led by Involve.
Involve is a charity that focuses on involving and engaging with members of the community in decisions that affect their lives, such as responding to the climate crisis.
As part of the project, a group of 17 young people aged 16-18 learnt about climate change, its local impacts, and the benefits of taking action from a range of speakers. They also found out more about progress on Warrington’s climate journey so far and received training on how to engage in ‘asset-based conversations’, which focus on building out from what is important to local people and their place.
After this, the “conversation starters” then led over 70 discussions with friends, family, and members of the community about what makes Warrington a great place to live, and what would make it even better in the future.
The group used what they had heard from local speakers and the wider community to agree a vision for Warrington in the year 2040. The recommendations focused on a number of key areas, including:
• Getting around – Improving infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians with greener pathways and incentives for walking and cycling. Promoting public transport options like trains, buses, and rental bikes to cut carbon emissions
• Natural spaces – Expanding and maintaining green space and water bodies to create a more inviting environment and enhance Warrington’s overall appearance, as well as help prevent flooding and improve local air quality
• Community involvement – Organising community clean-up events and regularly promoting environmentally friendly initiatives to foster a strong sense of local engagement and build strong, connected communities
• Environmental education – Educating young people on sustainability through activities like litter picking, tree planting, and growing food, alongside school talks from local experts
• Renewable energy infrastructure – Investing in renewable energy like solar and wind power to reduce emissions and create local green jobs
Following this feedback, the young people worked with a local artist Sarah Harris to bring the vision for Warrington to life, through a virtual reality model which showcased what a greener town could look like in three specific locations.
The results of the project will be shared with the wider community and stakeholders to encourage wider engagement and action to make Warrington a greener place to live and work. The Warrington Climate Emergency Commission will also seek to maintain involvement by inviting the young people to help establish a local youth climate forum.
Following the project, the young people said that they found more ways in which they can help on a small scale, as well as feeling more educated about the challenges facing Warrington and inspired and excited to help the community achieve these.
Reflecting on the project, they said: “There is a strong desire for a more sustainable environment, greater investment in green spaces and efforts to reduce carbon emissions. People are concerned about local weather, flooding, and energy costs.
“We need climate action to be accessible and responsive to our community. Through both mitigation and adaptation, we can prepare for the challenges of climate change. As a group we would like to see the slow improvements towards a greener town, with the help of better education for all ages.”
Cllr Hitesh Patel, cabinet member for sustainability and climate change, said: “It’s inspiring to see Warrington’s young people taking the lead in shaping our response to climate change.
“This project has given them a platform to engage with their peers and the wider community, share ideas, and develop practical recommendations to make Warrington more climate-friendly. Their passion for a greener, more sustainable future is clear, and their vision for change has been invaluable.”
You can read the full project report on the Involve website.
