As we start a new year there are no doubt mixed feelings – an opportunity to rethink and reset but also a reminder that, for better or worse, January 2023 will be much like December 2022 (but without the Christmas music in the shops or lights on the houses). There will undoubtedly be much to talk about in the coming months – as the energy price rises continue to bite, as the strikes remain unresolved, as local services feel the pinch, to name just a few of the current worries.
But, before we turn to 2023, the start of a new year is also a chance to look back at the year that has passed. Many of the headlines were bleak; however, buried amongst them, there were some encouraging environmental news stories so we have collected five from our local area to share here:
- Throughabout plans are dropped – the proposals to build a series of expanded roundabouts and so-called throughabouts on the A417 ring road have now been completely dropped by the Council. South Glos Green Party, along with others in the local community, led a successful campaign against this proposal (you can read more about our campaign in this article).
- Street care in Filton yielded positive results for the community – Filton Town Council Green Councillor Dan Boardman helped coordinate action to address local residents’ concerns about overgrown hedgerows, litter and weeds, ensuring that walkers and cyclists can use pathways more easily.
Town Councillor Dan Boardman helped coordinate street care in Filton - Emersons Green is becoming a community nature reserve – the development, announced by Emersons Green Town Council in December includes Emersons Green, Lyde Green, Blackhorse and parts of Mangotsfield
- Many wildflowers were planted – various initiatives across South Gloucestershire by groups and individuals have seen new wildflowers borders and meadows being established, including one on Siston Common with Avon Wildlife Trust.
- Greens in leadership continue to push for climate change action in Bristol – although Labour still holds the balance of power in Bristol City Council, the strong presence of Green councillors helps to hold the Mayor and Council to account, reminding that recognising the climate emergency needs to go beyond words.
Globally, the IPCC delivered a stark warning at the start of the year:
“The world faces unavoidable multiple climate hazards over the next two decades with global warming of 1.5°C (2.7°F). Even temporarily exceeding this warming level will result in additional severe impacts, some of which will be irreversible. Risks for society will increase, including to infrastructure and low-lying coastal settlements.”
But there are some encouraging signs. The COP27 conference in November managed to secure an agreement for wealthy countries to provide “loss and damage” funding for vulnerable countries hit hard by climate disasters.
Change is coming
And, in our own country, there is an appetite for change. We have had nearly 13 years of Conservative-led mismanagement of our economy, our healthcare, our transport infrastructure, our education sector, our social care systems, our relationships internationally and our environment. The local elections in May saw the Green Party make sweeping gains across the country. We have our own local elections on 4th May and we have a great team of candidates ready to win and to help bring a green voice to South Gloucestershire Council.
How you can help
There are many ways you can help:
- Delivering leaflets
- Sharing posts on social media
- Telling your friends
- Sharing your stories and telling us what issues matter to you
- Vote Green on 4th May 2023!
And, if you aren’t a member of the Green Party, we’d love to welcome you to join us! Join here!