Mike Wilton has been appointed to lead the Manchester Climate Change Partnership (MCCP) on this critical next stage of the city’s zero carbon transformation.
Manchester is committed to becoming zero carbon by 2038 at the latest – at least 12 years ahead of national targets – and this requires the city collectively to play its full part in limiting the effects of climate change. Over the next three years Manchester needs to reduce its CO2 emissions by at least 15% every year, a goal that will require major changes in the city’s transport, buildings, energy and food systems, with every resident and business playing their part.
MCCP brings together some of the leading organisations in Manchester, including Manchester City Council, Manchester’s universities, Bruntwood the largest commercial property owner in the city, Manchester City Football Club, Electricity North West, and Manchester Cathedral, along with other cultural, community, and public organisations in the city.
Its role is to work with the partners and the wider community to ensure that Manchester develops and successfully implements a city climate change strategy that is consistent with the Paris Agreement.
Mike is the Manchester office leader of engineering and design consultancy Arup and has spent over 30 years playing a key role in the city’s regeneration. Mike said:
“I am very excited to be working with Manchester’s key institutions, and our national and international partners, to help Manchester meet its zero carbon ambition. MCCP has done some great work to identify the significant reductions in carbon emissions required and has started us on the journey to becoming one of the world’s first zero carbon cities.
“As we emerge from the present pandemic, we need to work together to create a more sustainable and resilient future. By building back better and greener, we can not only improve our climate resilience and create a zero carbon future, but also help live happier and healthier lives.”
Councillor Angeliki Stogia, Executive Member for Environment at Manchester City Council, and member of the MCCP Chair Appointment Committee, welcomed Mike’s appointment: “Throughout the recruitment process, Mike demonstrated a depth of understanding of Manchester, and of the climate change challenge before us.
“Not only does he have a wealth of professional experience that will help to accelerate progress, it’s clear he also shares our commitment to action and will no doubt ensure that Manchester continues to be at the forefront of cities leading the fight against climate change.”
Mike and the Partnership’s work is supported by the Manchester Climate Change Agency, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2015 to drive forward the city’s climate change agenda.
Jonny Sadler, Programme Director for the Agency, added: “In March this year Manchester City Council endorsed the Manchester Climate Change Framework 2020-25, our strategy towards making Manchester a thriving, zero carbon, climate resilient city. The strategy’s delivery is now more important than ever. Retrofitting homes, shifting to sustainable diets, greening the city, local renewable energy generation, boosting walking and cycling and other priorities are not only essential to meeting our climate goals, but will also ensure the city creates good jobs, healthy communities and thriving businesses as part of Manchester’s Green Recovery. I very much look forward to working with Mike on this exciting next phase of the city’s zero carbon journey.”
Over the next three years MCCP will be expanded to bring in new organisations and sectors not currently part of the city’s shared efforts. This work will be supported by Manchester’s participation in the City-Business Climate Alliance, a new initiative to help cities to mobilise local businesses to take urgent action on climate change.
The CBCA is run by C40 Cities, which connects 97 of the world’s greatest cities committed to taking bold climate action, CDP and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. Pamela Jouven, Head of City-Business Climate Alliances at C40 said:
“Manchester is one of eight cities globally participating in the first cohort of CBCA. Manchester is a global leader in their ambitious and urgent commitments in line with the Paris Agreement and building strong collaborations to translate ambition into immediate action. We look forward to working with the team in Manchester to help accelerate the exciting work already underway across the Partnership.”
Mike’s appointment marks the start of the next stage of development for the Climate Change Partnership and Agency, including the appointment of a new Agency Director and Youth Champion for Climate Action.
www.manchesterclimate.com
